The Sabre: The Magazine of Randolph-Macon Academy, Winter-Spring 2014

On Ed lin i ti e on

Awesome cover here

a m e ssa ge f r om th e p r esiden t Greetings, As I reflect back on all that has happened since I arrived here at Randolph-Macon Academy in June, I can’t help but feel amazed and blessed. Every day I am impressed by another accomplishment of the students, faculty, and/or staff here at R-MA. Sometimes it is a seemingly simple achievement—that moment when a student understands all that we’re trying to teach him, and he takes a huge step towards becoming a man. Or when a young lady has struggled in a subject, works hard to overcome the challenges, and finally earns that A. Those are the accomplishments that aren’t necessarily publicized, but happen on an almost-daily basis here at R-MA, and they are a source of pride for us all.

Maj Gen Maury Forsyth, USAF Retired, and his wife, Tamara, pause under the sabre arch during the Homecoming ceremonies.

Mrs. Forsyth was presented with a bouquet of flowers to commemorate her first Homecoming and welcome her as R-MA’s new First Lady.

Then there are the more visible achievements from this school year. We had a fabulous Homecoming, in spite of the rain. It was wonderful to meet all of the alumni who returned to campus, hear their stories, and learn how much R-MA means to them.

Later in October, our Air Force JROTC unit earned an “Exceeds Standards” on its on-site inspection, and the band earned First Place Junior-Senior High School Band in the Alsatia Mummers Parade. During the Christmas season, we set out to fill a 15-passenger van with food and clothing for our local Salvation Army—and we did it.

Our community came together to host the 38th Military School Band Festival on our campus in February, which culminated in a special performance for the 100th anniversary of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the U.S. (AMCSUS). That concert was held at the AMCSUS conference—and during that same conference, Grace Alexander ’14 received the General Willard Scott Award. That award, which is given to the outstanding military prep school cadet, has been claimed by R-MA students three of the last four years.

Our students attended a STEM conference and a competition this year, and one team came home with a win in a very difficult event. Our drill teams returned to action and they also managed to bring home some trophies in their second competition in recent years.

And then there are the Middle School students. Ryan Latham ’18 won our school-level Geographic Bee competition, then qualified for the state-level bee. Our Middle School students recently completed their science fair, and five of them went on to win major awards at the Shenandoah Regional Science Fair.

It has been an amazing year, and it’s not even over yet. We are holding strong to our traditions but constantly striving to improve at the same time. I invite you to come by and see the school, especially if you have not visited in a while. I know you’ll be as proud of your alma mater as I am.

Most sincerely,

Maurice H. Forsyth Major General, USAF Retired President

The Sabre The Magazine of Randolph-Macon Academy Affiliated with the United Methodist Church Winter/Spring 2014 Volume 93  Number 1

Published by the Office of Public Relations Editor Celeste M. Brooks P’12 Copy Editors Kathleen Abell Kittie Callaghan Abell P’13 Clare M. Dame

Photography Cindy Rodney P’97 Misti Walters Staff Maureen Sadler P’10 Rebekah Secrist

The Sabre is published twice a year for alumni/ae, parents, students, and friends of Randolph-Macon Academy 200 Academy Dr. Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 636-5200 Fax (540) 636-5419

www.rma.edu

 sabre@rma.edu

On Facebook: Facebook.com/Randolph.Macon.Academy.VA On Twitter: @RandolphMaconA @RMAAthletics On YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/RandolphMaconAcademy On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/randolph-macon-academy On Pinterest: pinterest.com/randolphmacon/

Randolph-Macon Academy Board of Trustees Mr. Joseph F. Silek, Jr. ’77, P’03,’17 Chairman Mr. Henry D. Light ’58 Vice Chairman & Secretary Mr. Rodney Deane, Jr., P’95 Treasurer Mr. Eric Anderson ’88 Mr. Harry G. Austin III ’75 Ms. Donna J. Bogart P’03, ’07 Ms. Suzanne M. Broyhill Mr. Eric D. Carlson ’73 Mr. Glenn Carrington P’08 Mrs. Lucy Williams Hooper Mr. Conrad E. Koneczny ’51 Mr. George D. Mathias ’54, P’84,’96 Mr. David W. Moore, ’53, P’84 Mr. A.A. Neese, Jr., P’01 RAdm. John D. Stufflebeem, USN Retired ’70 Mr. William G. Thomas ’57 Ex-Officio Members Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer Rev. Larry Thompson Ms. Angie Williams P’11, ’13, ’16 H. Scarlett Kibler ’89

President

Major General Maurice H. Forsyth, USAF Retired

This online edition has some student and alumni names removed per request. campus news

i n s i de t hi s i s s ue

faculty & staff

R-MA Celebrates The Inauguration of 10th President............2 New Summer Fun in 2014..........................................................2 R-MA STEM Program Moves Ahead at Full Speed..................3 R-MA Hosts 38th Military School Band Festival........................3 Girls and STEM: A Great R-MA Match......................................3 R-MA Wins Multiple Awards......................................................4 AFJROTC “Exceeds Standards”................................................4 Drill Team Returns with Success................................................4 Residential Life Focus Breathes New Life into R-MA’s Honor Code...........................................................................................5 Rain Can’t Dampen Friendships...............................................6 Fall Family Days..........................................................................8 Fall 2013 Honor Society Inductions..........................................8 Distinguished Author Visits R-MA..............................................9 Cadets Honor Heroes During Patriot Day Ceremony.............9 Girl Scouts Learn About Air Force Pride at R-MA..................11 Christimas Cheer......................................................................11 Singers Make All-State, Honor Choirs....................................12 R-MA Wows Audience With Grease Performance...............13 Honoring Our Veterans Across NOVA...................................14 Hour of Code............................................................................14 A Proud Moment for the Senior Class.....................................16 Three New Members Join R-MA Board of Trustees...............17 Parents’ Association Letter......................................................19 R-MA Falcon Scholars Continue Success..............................19 Ryan Latham ‘18 Wins School-Level Geographic Bee.........19 Two R-MA Students Win Veterans of Foreign Wars Awards..20 R-MA Goes to the Kennedy Center.......................................28

student features Cadet Jacob Dodson: Setting the Beat.................................21 A College Success Story: Faith Funderberg..........................21 R-MA’s Dynamic Starlet Lights Up Stage................................22 Ben Gillis: All-Around Honors .................................................22 Italian Student Enjoying R-MA................................................23 Methodist Student Making Her Mark......................................23 Vaughan Excels in All Areas...................................................23

The Military School Band Festival returned to R-MA this year, drawing participants from 17 different military schools and colleges. See story page 3.

about the front cover

Teacher of the Year, 2012-13: Joshua Ilnicki........................24 Coach of the 2012-13 School Year: Brandy Hudson............24 Full Circle: MSgt Bob Lewallen, USAF Retired........................26 Team of the Year, 2012-13: Flight Department......................26 Employee of the Year 2012-13: Karen Moxie........................27

alumni & development Class Notes...............................................................................29 R-MA Legacy Family: The Bevans..........................................29 Were You Here? Homecoming 2013 Attendees...................31 Tributes......................................................................................32 Where Would You Be?.............................................................34 Society of 1892.........................................................................35 A Sampling of 2013-14 Named Scholarship Recipients.......37 Final Farewell............................................................................38

athletics Triumphant Season for Middle School Soccer......................39 Middle School Girls’ Volleyball Makes Championship Round........................................................................................39 DAC Soccer Tournament Returns to R-MA............................40 Mazzola Leads Scoring in DAC...............................................40 Moore Shows How Far Attitude Can Take an Athlete..........41 Middle School Golf Undefeated Once Again.......................41 Fall Sports Awards.............................................................. 42-43 R-MA Swimmers Make States.................................................44 Girls’ X-C Heads to States.......................................................44 Varsity Girls’ Basketball Returns to DAC Tournament...........45 Middle School Boys Capture Powhatan Tournament...........45 Winter Sports Awards......................................................... 46-47 Wrestling: 50 Years at R-MA....................................................48 Conference Honors..................................................................48

Major General Maury Forsyth, USAF Retired, was welcomed as R-MA’s 10th president. See story page 2.

Homecoming was a success in spite of the wet weather.

See story page 6.

Randolph-Macon Academy has had a strong focus on honor this year, with the residential life program at the Upper School highlighting honor through guest speakers and small group discussions. On the cover are members of the R-MA Honor Guard, a unit which exemplifies the Academy’s commitment to honor.

Randolph-Macon Academy admits persons of any race, gender, color, religion, nationality and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. R-MA does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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R-MA celebrates the inauguration of 10th President

Tamara Forsyth holds the Bible as Major General Maury Forsyth, USAF Retired, takes the oath to serve during his inauguration ceremony. R-MA Board of Trustees Chairman Joseph Silek ’77 administered the oath.

There was an air of pride and excitement on September 26, 2013, as Randolph-Macon Academy’s Board of Trustees, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents gathered in Boggs Chapel for the inauguration of the Academy’s tenth president, Major General Maurice H. “Maury” Forsyth, USAF Retired. There was pride in the significant moments, the accomplishments of this 121-year old boarding school, and a sense of excitement over the future.

With organ music performed by locally renowned organist C. Randall Williams and a formal fanfare by the R-MA herald trumpets, Forsyth and the official party entered the chapel. There was a sense of a chosen leader coming home, because Forsyth’s genuine care for the students, faculty and staff since his arrival on June 24th had already made him a leader in deed, not just by title. On this day, the ceremony was not only a formal inauguration but a celebration of the sense of welcoming the right leader at the right time. During her address, Dr.

Tracy Fitzsimmons, president of Shenandoah University, confirmed that feeling for all those gathered.

Fitzsimmons spoke about significant events in the lives of individuals and institutions. “There are moments of transition, celebration and at times there are moments of tragedy. They’re the big things,” she said. “But in reality, in life, it’s the baby steps along the way that help us to get to those moments, that help us overcome those tragedies…and it’s so easy to forget them.

“Your big transition on this part of the timeline is the inauguration of Maury Forsyth,” she pointed out. “But a lot went into this. It’s been decades of building an institution that was strong enough to attract someone of his caliber here.” Fitzsimmons went on to commend the board for what she called a “terrific choice” in selecting Forsyth.

She described seeing him interact with the students and observed that he already Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons, knew stories about individuals in spite of president of Shenandoah only knowing them for about a month.

University, gave the “Maury’s going to be a great leader keynote address. because he believes that life is built on a foundation of family and faith and good hard honest work. And he is patriotic and he believes in asking the hard questions and pushing our country and our community to be better.”

The actual inauguration ceremony was conducted by the R-MA Board of Trustees Chairman, Joseph Silek ’77, and was followed by the Prayer of Consecration by R-MA Chaplain Lemuel Pearsall.

After being officially sworn in as president, Forsyth gave his address, which he began by thanking those involved in putting the ceremony together. He referred back to the original history of R-MA,

See “Inauguration,” page 10

New Summer Fun in 2014 Calling All Filmmakers!

by Rebekah Secrist R-MA is proud and excited to add a new summer course to the Upper School summer 2014 program! The new Filmmaking class teaches students the extensive details for cinematography, and by the end of the course the student will have a fully completed “epic” film!

By the end of summer, students will understand filmmaking as a tool to communicate a message. They will learn how to properly operate and maintain the equipment (camcorders, microphones, etc.) as well as the basics of non-linear video editing. Basic filmmaking principles (rule of thirds, headroom, establishing shots, camera angles and techniques, storyboarding, scriptwriting, and screenplay development) will be taught. As the students conceptualize storylines, dialogues, casting, and budgeting, everything from development to post-production will be experienced. This is an amazing opportunity to not only teach students the art of filmmaking, but also to develop media literacy and the understanding of the messages in the media.

This course will be taught by Mr. Dan Marcus, who has taught the geometry summer math class at R-MA previously. Now in his 2 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

37th year of teaching, Marcus has established and maintained a student-led broadcast and film production program within the Lewis Palmer School District 38.

This program received national acclaim, and one of his students’ video is archived in the American Folklore Center at the Library of Congress. In addition, Marcus has taught numerous summer film camps in Colorado.

Marcus presently teaches at Aspen Academy, a K-8 private school in Greenwood Village, Colorado. There, two of his film students won 1st place in the 2013 “My Hero International Film Festival” that was recently featured on the NBC Today Show.

R-MA is excited that Marcus is offering to share his film expertise during summer school, 2014! Because there is only room for 10 students, interested students should act fast in order to guarantee a spot. Call the Admission Office at 800-272-1172 to learn more!

Middle School Academic Summer Camp: Aviation in America

by Kathleen Abell During the summertime, middle schoolers participating in the

See “Summer,” page 14

R-MA STEM Program Moves Ahead at Full Speed

by Shelby M. Sebring ’15 from the administration and faithful parents, can also boast six new Every school’s ultimate goal is to encourage students to learn Vernier Lab Quests, state-of-the-art electronic equipment that has, so new things, and R-MA’s administration and teachers will not take far, been used to study various aspects in physics, chemistry, biology, a back seat in the race to incorporate STEM (science, technology, and anatomy, with plans to be incorporated into engineering and engineering and math) into their college-prep curriculum. The current aerospace. surge of interest in STEM that is taking The ILS classes, taught this year the country’s academic systems by storm by Mrs. Tamala Sebring in the Upper requires serious dedication from forwardSchool and Mrs. Kara Lewallen in thinking teachers such as the ones who the Middle School, are years ahead of may be found in the upper levels of Crow other schools’ science classes due to an Hall. R-MA’s science department has been exciting opportunity from Northwestern working nonstop to offer students further University, which has requested explorations in STEM, hoping to inspire R-MA’s participation in the testing them to pursue STEM careers, but also of their developing of online units in providing others with opportunities to nanotechnology, a part of the Materials succeed in any profession imaginable.

World program funded by the National The STEM team was initiated last year Science Foundation. by department head Mrs. Susan Gillette, Two complete sets of highly who began the freshman Integrated Lab STEM has become an integral part of the curriculum esteemed Vex robotics have proudly Science (ILS) course, and Mr. David Gillis, at both the Middle School and the Upper School. made their way into the STEM inventory who teaches a variety of different STEM for the use of students studying Engineering Fundamentals and Java subjects, including a recently introduced computer programming Programming.

Last year, young scholars from these two classes elective and an engineering fundamentals class. It has expanded to entered the highly competitive Spirit of Innovation contest sponsored include all members of the science department who strive to provide by the Conrad Foundation, taking their eco-friendly invention using the best opportunities for their students and have been instrumental in piezoelectric crystals and R-MA’s name all the way to Houston, TX. several STEM successes this year.

None of these phenomenal endeavors would have been possible A major achievement of the assiduous STEM team this fall was without R-MA’s STEM team, which includes Gillette, Gillis, the introduction of the R-MA chapter of the high-requisite National Sebring, and Lewallen, as well as Mr. Patrick Hawkins, Mrs. Victoria Science Honor Society, which will accept its first inductees this Montgomery, and Ms. Betty Rogers. spring. The teachers, who are grateful of the unwavering support

R-MA Hosts 38th Military School Band Festival

Girls and STEM: A Great R-MA Match

R-MA hosted the 38th Military School Band Festival February 21-23, 2014, from Friday morning through the Festival Concert on Sunday afternoon, which was performed as part of the AMCSUS (Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States) 100th Anniversary Celebration at the Westin Hotel in Alexandria.

The Military School Band Festival is a three-day clinic for the top student musicians from military secondary schools and colleges R-MA’s Ming Gong ’14 placed from across the nation. Each second in the drum major festival is structured to include competition at the MSBF. a concert band conducted by a noted current or former military conductor and a drum major clinic instructed by an active duty military drum major. Also, now in its third consecutive year is a festival choir conducted by a noted military choral conductor.

Number Ninjas, Radiant Radicals, and Atom Attackers – these were the names of just a few of the all-girl teams that converged at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia on February 8, 2014, for the fourth annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Summit sponsored by K2M, Inc. K2M is the largest privately held spinal device company in the world focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions for the treatment of complex spinal problems. It was here that eight qualified young ladies from R-MA joined a group of over 80 girls in the high school portion of the competition. “Knights of Pi” were represented

by Paige Hollis ’15, Ixel Ochoa ’15, Madeleine Oram ’15, and Shelby Sebring ’15. “Stoichiometry Stars” included Alice Gong ’16, Lizzie Ma ’15, Meghan Melberg ’16, and Amy Wang ’16. Participants included 44 teams from 22 public and independent schools in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, and all teams engaged in this STEM-focused competition. It was a fun and challenging event which highlighted brilliant young women, who traditionally are underrepresented in this field.

The day began when the high school teams gathered for an introduction and the opening remarks at 9:15 a.m. in Englehard Gymnasium, following which the teams of girls then began their rotations through four different challenges created by Foxcroft’s faculty and one challenge developed by the K2M Senior Biomedical Engineers, who were sponsors of the STEM Summit. These

Event Celebrates 100th Anniversary of AMCSUS

See “MSBF,” page 12

See “Stem Summit,” page 18 3 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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R-MA Wins Multiple Awards This past fall, Randolph-Macon Academy received a few special honors when it won an editor’s choice award and several “people’s choice” awards.

In August, R-MA was notified of several honors awarded by popular vote through the Northern Virginia Daily newspaper. Those awards included: • Best Teacher 9-12 - Eric Barr • Best Teacher 6-8 - Mariola Doran • Best Band/Music Teacher - Michael DeMato • Best Private School Nominations for these awards were taken over the summer, and then a voting period was held online and by mail.

“It was impressive that not only did we win best private school, but our teachers won every category as well, in spite of the fact that they were competing against public school teachers who teach many more students each year,” noted Celeste Brooks, R-MA’s director of public relations.

Soon after these results were announced, Randolph-Macon Academy’s faculty and staff learned that the Academy had also been named as one of Virginia’s Top High Schools in Virginia Living’s October 2013 special feature entitled “State of Education.”

According to the Virginia Living press release, the special feature “celebrates excellence and innovation in Virginia’s schools.

Featuring in-depth and positive coverage of news and trends in

secondary and higher education, Virginia Living “State of Education” includes “Top High Schools & Colleges 2013,” a list of nearly 150 programs in public and private high schools and four-year colleges leading the way in innovation across the state. Virginia Living’s Top High Schools & Colleges 2013 recognizes schools for excellence and innovation in five categories: Arts & Humanities, Science, Math & Technology, Co-Ops & Partnerships, Athletics and Capital Improvements. After thorough review of each school’s programs and accomplishments, Virginia Living’s editors selected schools that have instituted programs or recently begun capital improvements aimed at strengthening students’ experiences in and beyond the classroom.

Virginia Living’s Top High Schools & Colleges 2013 is the resource for anyone curious about why Virginia’s schools are consistently ranked among the nation’s best.”

Randolph-Macon Academy was recognized in the category of Science, Math, & Technology for its High Flight Program, which is a preparatory track specifically designed for students who wish to attend a United States service academy and/or become a military officer.

AFJROTC “Exceeds Standards”

Drill Team Returns with Success

The Air Force Junior ROTC instructors and cadets of Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, VA, earned an overall unit assessment score of “Exceeds Standards”--the highest rating attainable--during their rated unit evaluation on October 29, 2013. Air Force JROTC instructors Lt Col Ronald G. McManus, Lt Col Barry Sebring, MSgt Stephen Pederson, and MSgt Doug French created a dynamic and supportive learning environment coupled with excellent community outreach. The instructors are providing outstanding leadership in administering the cadet centered citizenship program.

The Randolph-Macon Academy cadets performed exceptionally well during the inspection and took great pride in leading and accomplishing their unit goals. The R-MA Air Force Junior ROTC citizenship program is making a positive impact on the cadets, the school and community.

On Saturday, February 1, 2014, the Drill Team competed in the Wolverine Drill Competition at North Stafford High School. It was only their second meet of the year, and the success in the competition signified an end to the team’s hiatus of the last few years.

Five schools competed in seven different categories, with awards given for the top three teams in each category. Awards were also given to the schools with the highest combined scores in all events.

“We had significant improvement since our first meet,” said Lt Col R.G. McManus, USAF Retired. The R-MA teams captured second place for Color Guard (Commander Shelby Sebring ’15), third place for Inspection Flight (Commander Bryan Mazzola ’14), and third place in Unarmed Regulation (Commander Maddy Chafin ’14).

McManus cited Markeesha Gibson ’14 and Cole Mitchell ’14 as also doing an outstanding job as commanders of their teams, First Year Unarmed Regulation and Armed Regulation, respectively.

“I’m very pleased with the improvement the cadets have made,” said McManus. “This is a good first step to rebuilding our program.”

Cadets stand in formation before lunch and await the announcements.

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The Armed Regulation Drill team, commanded

by Cole Mitchell ’14, perform during the Wolverine Drill Competition.

Residential Life Focus Breathes New Life into R-MA’s Honor Code Last spring, Randolph-Macon Academy Student Life Director Michael Williams took a group of students to an Honor Conference at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. That conference inspired the students to develop methods to teach this year’s Residential Life theme, “Honor: Its Definition, Purpose and Practice,” to the rest of the cadets at R-MA. “The goal of focusing on honor was to get the kids to understand right and wrong, and why some things are just wrong,” said Williams.

“We are trying to get the kids to understand the value of doing right, instead of ‘What am I going to get out of this?’ It’s a culture shift we’ve seen over the last 20 years or so, this mentality of, ‘As long as I don’t get caught it’s okay.’ A lot of our kids have been taught this is the way of life, from our nation’s leaders, on the news, in religious environments, and even their own homes. We’re trying to take on this culture shift, and teach them that you do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, not because you’re afraid to get caught. It’s an uphill battle because society is teaching them a different story.”

One of the first steps in this program was a visit from one of the key speakers at the VMI Conference: Dr. David Rettinger, executive director for the Center of Honor, Leadership and Service at The University of Mary Washington. On August 19, 2013, Rettinger spoke about honor to the cadre students attending the Summer Leadership School.

“We began with the student leaders because the idea was for the cadre to own it, go into small groups, and decide how they would promote it and teach it to the rest of the students,” said Williams.

Rettinger began with a basic understanding of when honor has been violated, using sports and traffic laws as examples. In hockey, penalties happen, he explained, and if it is an accidental penalty made in the spirit of the game, then it is referred to as a “good” penalty. In contrast, deliberately hurting another player is referred to as a “bad” penalty. In driving, traffic laws exist to promote safety. Going five miles over the speed limit is generally accepted as not violating the spirit of those laws, but going twenty miles over does violate it.

Rettinger moved the conversation into the “gray” areas: copying and cheating. Throughout the conversation, students volunteered that copying was wrong because it robs the copier of learning; that students often do it because time is valuable; and that there is confusion between the concepts of copying and working together. One student volunteered what Rettinger called a “very insightful” answer: “As teenagers in high school, they are more afraid to fail than they are to break their own standards of integrity.” Rettinger agreed, also noting that honor goes hand-in-hand with trust and community.

The key to understanding what was considered cheating, Rettinger suggested, was to agree on the “rules” ahead of time. “Most students don’t think of themselves as cheaters,” he said. “People will cheat up until the point that it threatens their self-image as an honest person.”

Rettinger returned in October to speak with the entire corps, and again to the faculty in-service after Thanksgiving Break. The teacher presentation was designed to get all faculty on the same page in regards to how infractions should be addressed, helping to provide consistency in what the students are taught in regards to honor and integrity.

“I went to go hear him twice because the first time was a lecture format and it was obvious from the lecture format he had a lot of insight on the topic,” said Williams. “So I went back to his discussion-oriented session later, and I was enthralled for the entire time. It wasn’t just the wealth of knowledge, but the manner in which he engaged us and had us engage each other to learn best practices.”

It wasn’t a stretch for Williams to imagine Rettinger engaging the students in such a manner. In a society where more than 85% of

seniors graduating from across the nation admit to copying at some point during their high school career, student engagement is critical to having a successful honor code.

Rettinger wasn’t the only one brought in to address the topic. On November 7, 2013, R-MA cadets were treated to Rear Admiral June E. Ryan of the U.S. Coast Guard. Ryan, who is the Military Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security and a living testimony to the power of positive thinking, spoke of the “P.O.W.E.R.” of “OMG” and “LOL.” (See “Advice from Rear Admiral June Ryan, USCG,” page 14.)

Ryan’s “O what the heck, go for it anyway,” became a sort of mantra throughout her college and Coast Guard career. At times she was not particularly excited about the “opportunities” that arose, but she approached all of them with, “O what the heck, go for it anyway.”

“We talk to ourselves, on average, 30,000 times per day,” she told the students. “Most of those are negative.” She emphasized the importance of being positive and finding the good in seemingly poor circumstances.

The focus on honor continued on December 5th with a visit from Vice Admiral Lew Crenshaw, USN Retired, who spoke on decisionmaking. Crenshaw presented several techniques on evaluating decisions. He remarked, “Decisions are not always right vs. wrong. Often times it is a decision between right and right.” In his presentation, he gave anecdotal stories with small humor to captivate the audience. For example, when he discussed the Abilene Paradox he recalled a time when he and a group of friends searched for a restaurant. They all agreed Vice Admiral Lew Crenshaw was on a restaurant, which turned one of several guest speakers out to be a poor choice. His brought in to speak about honor conclusion was that even a this fall. group of intelligent individuals could agree on a bad decision. In this final campus-wide honor presentation, Crenshaw gave a variety of techniques and methods to distinguish good decisions from bad decisions, good decisions from great decisions, and great decisions from best decisions.

In addition to these guest speakers, the theme was also discussed in town hall meetings and small group meetings via residential life and cadre, weaving the idea of honor and integrity throughout the culture during the school year. “The cadre would go around to four or five kids at a time and address different questions,” said Williams.

“What is cheating, what is plagiarism? What is honor, what is not?

They addressed that it’s better to go to a teacher and ask if something is okay, to get guidance on items, than to go ahead and do something and hope for the best.”

Of course, Williams pointed out, there has to be an allowance for maturity in holding students to standards. The idea that “fairness doesn’t necessarily equal sameness” can be difficult for students to understand. “There’s a difference between a senior who has been taught MLA [Modern Language Association] and research methods who plagiarizes, and a freshman who fails to annotate a reference,” Williams observed. “Common sense should dictate that that is not the same.”

Just over halfway through the school year, Williams has seen

See “Honor,” on page 14 5 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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Rain Can’t Dampen Friendships

The color guard waits for the start of the annual Memorial Ceremony.

During the memorial ceremony, the 50th reunion class honored their classmates who have passed away.

Marcus Williams ’13 (at right) returned to campus to visit with friends and family. Here he is pictured with his brother Gabriel ’15 and his parents, George and Angie Williams.

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This year the Randolph-Macon Academy family was reminded that as great as it is to watch a football game and enjoy a military parade, Homecoming is not just about those events. It’s really about friendships.

When one day of predicted rain stretched into nearly 48 hours of constant, driving rain, with no clear end in sight, it became evident to the administration at Randolph-Macon Academy that the scheduled Homecoming activities were in jeopardy. The decision was made Friday evening to move Saturday’s Memorial Ceremony inside Melton Memorial Gymnasium.

By 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, the rain had softened into a fine drizzle, but the football field was deemed unsafe for the athletes. Eventually, after an attempt to simply delay the game, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Frank Sullivan and R-MA President Maj Gen Maury Forsyth, conceded that the field conditions were not going to improve, and the unprecedented happened: the Homecoming game was canceled.

In spite of this, the spirit of Homecoming was not dampened in the least. Alumni return year after year to cheer on the Yellow Jackets, but even more importantly, they come back to renew friendships.

Although the schedule changed, the purpose had not. As friendships were renewed throughout the weekend, voices echoed through the halls and across the years.

On Friday, October 11th, about two dozen alumni braved the rain and played golf in the first annual Alumni Association Golf Tournament. Other alumni stayed on campus to hear Forsyth speak about “The State of the Academy” and learn about marketing and branding from Director of Enrollment Management Clare Dame.

The alumni then joined together for the Welcome Back Dinner at the Bowling Green Country Club.

Saturday’s events were unusual, thanks to the weather, as the Memorial Ceremony was pushed indoors. The event went off smoothly and in fact the change in venue provided an added benefit: seating for the alumni, parents, and special guests. In addition, it was easy to hear the names of all those alumni who had been killed in action or who had died within the last year.

While the parade was canceled, the Alumni Luncheon went on as scheduled, where alumni were entertained by the R-MA Chorus and heard from Vice Corps Commander Grace Alexander ’13 and Corps Commander Ben Gillis ’13.

Alexander said she had come from a small town and was appreciative of the opportunities she has had during her time at R-MA. As she spoke, it became clear that the reasons those opportunities were present and so special were because of the people involved.

Alexander spoke of an alumnus who had provided a flight

The chorus, under the direction of Michael DeMato, performed several songs during the Alumni Luncheon on Saturday.

Above, cadets stand in formation for the Memorial Ceremony. At right, Alumni Association President Scarlett Kibler ’89 and Lucas Costa ’17 lay the traditional wreath at the Memorial Wall that honors all the alumni who have been killed in action. scholarship for her. “He is my mentor. He has written me letters, offered advice and sent me uplifting emails,” she said. “He and the supportive flight instructors are the reason I was able to solo. I am pursuing my Private Pilots License this year. I always feel, “A pilot never flies alone. “ All those who have helped are always flying with me. It is an honor for each of us when we receive our wings.”

Gillis also felt that the people made the difference at R-MA. “Like Grace, I was from a small town in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “This was a pretty daunting school to me—everyone was in uniform, they were sharp.” Gillis recalled showing up early for soccer This year’s Homecoming Court included, from left to right: Louisa Stanwich ’14, Kevin Slaton ’14, camp his first year, “scared out of Kim-Trang Nguyen ’15, Oluwatimileyin Idowu ’15, Homecoming Queen Debbie Kim ’14, Homecoming my pants,” but a senior quickly King Brook Blair ’14, Jamie Crotty ’16, Chadler Lee ’16, Amy Go ’17, and Austin Davis ’17. befriended him. “He took me under his wing,” Gillis said. “He helped me along the way, and that’s a very important, fundamental thing here at R-MA, that we’re a very strong, connected family, and I’m very privileged to be a part of that.”

The Alumni Association held its annual membership meeting, which included electing new board members, naming the new slate of officers, and giving out awards.

Among those awards given were the Staff Recognition Award, which is based on the various hats each faculty and staff member at the Academy wears and the guidance, preparation, and tools for which they give their students to succeed in life. This year’s recipient was Lt Col R.G. McManus, a 1980 graduate of R-MA and the head of the Aerospace Department at the Academy. Under his leadership, the Air Force JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Unit) at R-MA has earned U.S. Air Force Distinguished Unit Award with Merit multiple times.

The Class Agent of the Year was based on two main factors: consistency of service and innovation as a class agent. In reviewing both criteria, the Alumni Association Board named two R-MA class agents as recipients of this award for 2013: Fred Greenwood ’73 and Michael Starling ’88.

The students enjoyed the opportunity to dress in civilian attire for the Homecoming Dance held in Melton Memorial Gymnasium.

See “Homecoming,” page 30 7 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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Fall Family Days

Top photo, families are served their meals by the Middle School students at the Parent Dinner.

Above, Amy Gray ’15 poses with her parents.

Above right, Debbie Kim ’14 lights a candle during the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

At right, Grace Alexander ’14 and Jon Moore ’14 enjoy time with their families.

With a sudden rush the long wait for Thanksgiving break was nearly over. All that stood between the students and ten days of vacation was…Fall Family Days!

Parent-teacher conferences began at 1:30 pm on Thursday, November 21, 2013, with the Upper School Fall Athletic Awards Ceremony following at 4:00 pm. The Middle School parents enjoyed a special dinner that evening, and the delightful performance of “Grease” by the R-MA Drama Department also ran later that night. The next day, parents were treated to 10-minute classes where they were able to hear the teachers’ classroom philosophy and get a taste of what their children experience each day. This was followed by the National Honor Society Induction/ Scholarship Recognition Ceremony. The Corps Parade was next, with lunch and more parentteacher conferences following.

Several college counseling seminars closed out the Fall Family Days’ activities.

Thank you to all the families that attended.

Fall 2013 Honor Society Inductions Congratulations to the following students on being inducted into their respective honor societies this past fall:

National Honor Society Inductees Cody Borden ’16 Jake Branham ’16 Emma Bunker ’16 Patrick Coleman, Falcon Scholar ’14 Margot Cramer ’14 Robert DeBerry ’16 Jingwen Gong ’16 Ashley Grossman ’16 Paige Hollis ’15 Taylor M. Jones ’16

Meghan Melberg ’16 Jessica Neupane ’15 Kim-Trang Nguyen ’15 Matthew Sefton, Falcon Scholar ’14 Yazmeen Tembunde ’15 ZiYun Wang ’16 Gabriel Williams ’16 Johnny Wong ’16 William Wong ’16

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National Junior Honor Society Inductees Omar Bran ’17 Lucas Costa ’17

Chengxin Li ’17 Elenda Liyel-Imoke ’18

National English Honor Society Inductees Roop Atwal ’15 Quinn Blankenship ’16 Cody Borden ’16 Emma Bunker ’16 Robert DeBerry ’16 Ashley Grossman ’16

Lou Lindsay ’16 Meghan Melberg ’16 Maddie Oram ’15 Gabriel Williams ’16 William Wong ’16 Johnny Wong ’16

Distinguished Author Visits R-MA With the first words out of his mouth, author V.J. Smith made sure that he was heard by every student at Randolph-Macon Academy.

The date was October 21, 2013, and Smith, author of The Richest Man in Town, was speaking to the entire student body at the invitation of Maj Gen Maury Forsyth, president of R-MA. “What goes around…” he bellowed out to the students.

“Comes around!” came the half-hearted response.

Not satisfied with the answer, Smith repeated it until the students’ responding shouts were nearly rattling the windows in Boggs Chapel.

“He came out with a lot of energy, especially that time of morning,” observed Garrett Cavanaugh ’14.

Calling himself the “Self- Appointed Thank-You Monitor of the United States,” Smith went on to enthrall the students with several stories, stressing the importance of being grateful and expressing gratitude. In the process, he rejected many of the common answers that people now give when they are thanked. “‘No problem,’” he quoted. Dimissing that as an appropriate response, he observed,“It wasn’t supposed to be!” Many of the students chuckled. “‘Don’t mention it.’” He made a face as he quoted the standard response. “You don’t mean that! How about saying, “‘You’re welcome!’”

During his presentation, Smith threw out colored cards to the students. On them was his mailing address and ways to say “Thank you” in more than a dozen different languages—an extremely appropriate “gift” given the fact that 25% of R-MA’s student population is made up of international students.

Smith told the students that he had met a man who was, “loved, respected, and content in every aspect of his life.” That, Smith told

Author VJ Smith, third from left, poses with a group of students after his talk on October 21st. the students, was the real meaning of being rich. And to top it off, he added, “I met him at Wal-Mart.”

The man was a Wal-Mart cashier named Marty. Smith described how Marty greeted each person in his line, asked how they were doing, then looked them in the eye and truly listened to their answer.

When giving change, he would walk around the cashier counter to hand the person his or her money, shake hands, and sincerely say, “I sure do thank you for shopping here today.” One woman described him as everybody’s grandfather, who gave candy to the children and received hugs in return.

Smith was so amazed by Marty that eventually he wrote a letter to the CEO of Wal-Mart to let him know of this incredibly genteel and kind-hearted cashier. That action led not only to Marty’s recognition

See “Thank you,” page 10

Cadets Honor Heroes During Patriot Day Ceremony The Randolph-Macon Academy family and honored guests from the local community gathered the morning of September 11, 2013 to pay homage to the heroes of the United States: the policemen, firemen, first responders, and soldiers who put their lives on the line not just on September 11, 2001, but every day.

The ceremony included the playing of Taps and a 21-gun salute to honor the patriots who have sacrificed their lives for others. Madeline Chafin ’14 of North Carolina gave a short speech about heroes.

“A fireman. A policeman. A first responder. A soldier. When we think of the heroes of the 9/11 attacks, these are the people we think about,” she began. “And yes, they are heroes. But, so are the mothers.

The fathers. The sisters. The brothers. The children. Everyone who lost someone or knew someone in the attack is a hero.

“A simple hug…a simple prayer...a simple word,” she said, “can make you a hero, and we can all be heroes.

“Heroes are all around us right now. We all have the potential to let our courage and our bravery show. We can all be examples of what others may want to become. The single mothers who had to bring their small child to school every day. The police dogs that stood by their masters in the dark times after the attacks. The son who joined the army to fight for his wounded nation in the war on terror. They all had the strength and courage to be there for others. These were average citizens who showed their inner selflessness and bravery.

“These traits can be found in anybody. We just have to look in ourselves and discover who we want and need to become. The heroes of the 9/11 attacks weren’t special because of their jobs, or because of the number of lives they saved, they were special because they sacrificed for something bigger than themselves and were a beacon in the darkness of the day. Remember the heroes of that day and every day,” Chafin concluded, “but never forget the light within yourself,

because you never know when you may need to be the hero.”

The flag was placed at half-staff in memory of all fallen heroes, but flown throughout the day in honor of Staff Sergeant Anthony Drake, a 2001 graduate of Randolph-Macon Academy who is currently serving on active duty. The flag was sent to him later in September.

The Randolph-Macon Academy cadets stand ready as the Patriot Day Ceremony begins. The audience of distinguished guests from the local community included R-MA Chairman of the Board Joseph Silek, Front Royal Fire Chief Richard Mabie, Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman Archie Fox, Warren County Sheriff Daniel McEathron, Front Royal Police Chief Norman Shiflett, Warren County Administrator Doug Stanley, and Front Royal Town Manager Steven Burke.

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camp u s n e w s “Inauguration,” continued from page 2 and the original building constructed in 1892, but pointed out that R-MA is much more than a building. “‘A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid…’” he said, quoting the Gospel of Matthew. “In my mind Randolph-Macon Academy IS really that city on the hill, in the truest sense of the word. A community built on solid ground, held together by the collective good, sustained by the hard work of those willing to unselfishly serve others, and the daily promise of a prosperous future. From the earliest days of its existence, this place-this institution--was different. It was special, and it was blessed.”

Ever mindful of those who had come before him and laid the groundwork upon which R-MA now stands, Forsyth took the audience through some of R-MA’s significant moments.

“We’re in this beautiful chapel today, not afraid to profess our faith, secure in the knowledge that Recited by Maj Gen Forsyth and the principles of the audience gathered during the the Christian faith inauguration: are still alive here, and we’re able to Lord, God of hosts, my life is a do this because of stewardship in Your sight. Grant the the vision of the light of Your wisdom to the path of my Methodist Church Randolph-Macon Academy days. Instill of 1892, and Dr. within me an abiding awareness of my William Smith,” responsibility toward you, my country, he said. “Today we and my fellow man. can, and do, instill those character and I ask true humility, that knowing self, ethical traits of what I may rise above human frailty. I ask I consider one of the courage that I may prove faithful to duty noblest professionsbeyond self. I ask unfailing devotion to -that of a military personal integrity that I may ever remain person--because honorable without compromise. of the influence of World War I and Make me an effective instrument of Your the strength and peace. So guide me daily in each thought, will of President word and deed, that I may fulfill Your Charles Melton will. May these graces abide with me, my who introduced the loved ones, and all here this day. military presence Amen. here in 1917.

Cadet Prayer

“Thank you,” continued from page 9 within the corporation, but eventually to a deep friendship between the two men.

Smith said he learned three things from Marty that were simple yet profound: 1. Relationships matter most in life.

2. Try to do a little bit more.

3. Only you can make you happy.

“If you want to find the good in someone, you’ll find the good. If you want to find the bad, you’ll find the bad,” Smith told the students.

The impact of his speech was felt by everyone gathered in Boggs Chapel that morning.

“I couldn’t find a bad part, the whole thing was really good,” said Beth Wehner ’20.

“I think it was probably one of the best speeches I’ve ever heard, ever,” said Gery You-Ghosal ’17. “Marty made everyone feel important, like they had a purpose in this world. I think that touched everyone in the room.”

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“I’m able to look out every day on this diverse student body, because in 1972 Randolph-Macon Academy President Arvin Williams had the guts to make it so,” Forsyth observed. “We’re the enviable co-educational Air Force Junior ROTC student body we are, because in 1974 and 1975 that same The herald trumpets rang out at the President Williams had the start of the ceremony. foresight to make it so.

“We have the outstanding Middle School we have today because in 1992 the Board of Trustees saw the need for expanding the best of R-MA to a younger audience so they too could experience this dream, this influence of character.

“And because of Col Trevor Turner, in 1985 we became the only private prep-school in the country that owns its own aircraft and that the flight instructors are members of the faculty…and we’re still the only ones today.

“And just last year, because of General Hobgood’s persistence, we have the honor of being called a Falcon Foundation School, one of only seven schools in all of the United States.

“These are the things, ladies and gentlemen, that make us what we are today,” Forsyth said in concluding his recap of significant moments. “With the past as our guide, the present is our future. So today is our day to begin the influence of our future. We owe it to the past to take this institution to bigger and better heights just like those that went before us.”

Forsyth concluded his speech with the prayer that is recited in chapel each week, which is modeled after the cadet prayer used at the Air Force Academy.

“The inauguration of our 10th president, Major General Maurice Forsyth, was a ceremony that I was honored to partake in,” wrote Jessica Neupane ’15, “because it is most definitely one of the most important moments in R-MA history. Dr. Fitzsimmons, president of Shenandoah University, spoke on giving back to the community, as she told about a student that was not financially able to come to Shenandoah University. She also talked to us about leadership, service, and the visions that Maj Gen Forsyth had in mind for R-MA. When Maj Gen Forsyth took the oath, it was a feeling I knew I would never forget because it was wonderful knowing that I participated in something that has only happened 10 times in R-MA history.”

“I had tears in my eyes throughout the whole talk,” commented Alumni Director Ann Brander ’02. “He was funny, honest, and made you feel that if you make a difference in one person’s life, you’ve succeeded in making a difference in the world.”

“It was really inspiring how one minute out of your day can change a life,” agreed Cavanaugh. He said Marty’s story really drove home to him that you “don’t get to choose what family you’re born into. Marty was born into a poor family. I come from a fairly wealthy family, we’re better off than a lot of people, and it makes me think how I have to work harder to make a name for myself. Marty had to stop his education to support his family in eighth grade. His story makes you less egotistical, a better person.”

“It had me re-evaluate myself,” agreed Taylor Dixon ’15. “I realized all the things I should be doing more.” The lesson of being thankful was not lost on her either. “I wanted to thank the general.

It was really thoughtful of him [to bring Smith in]. He’s so busy, he didn’t have to do that. It was really nice of him.”

Girl Scouts Learn about Air Force Pride at R-MA On February 1, 2014, 30 Girl Scouts arrived on the R-MA Middle School campus with one goal in mind: learning about the Air Force.

The girls, who were at the junior and cadette Girl Scout levels, spent the day fulfilling the requirements for the junior-level Air Force Pride badge. To start off the day, they were arranged into “flights” just as Air Force units are. Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie flights weren’t quite sure what to expect of the day, but they soon found out it was designed to help them meet the requirements for the badge with a good dose of fun thrown into the mix.

They wrote cards and letters to Airmen, they toured the Air Force Honor Guard Statue, and interviewed retired Air Force personnel Maj Gen Maury Forsyth and CMSgt Mary Gamache as well as Mrs. Tamara Forsyth, to learn what life in the Air Force was like.

MSgt Stephen Pederson, USAF Retired, put together a quiz show that helped the girls learn about the correlations between the Air Force values and their own Girl Scout values, such as serving their country.

Col Gary Sadler introduced the girls to the basics of Air Force aircraft and supervised their art time as they drew planes, completed puzzles of planes, or used foil to create model planes. Mr. Michael DeMato and a group of his chorus students came to the Middle School gym to help the girls learn the Air Force song.

To intermix some fun activities with the requirements, the girls also practiced flag folding, learned a few of the basics of marching, and completed an obstacle course.

The event came about because Celeste Brooks, R-MA’s director of public relations, has a daughter of her own in Girl Scouts. When her daughter’s troop visited the Academy for assistance in completing the requirements for one of their badges, Brooks recognized the opportunity that could exist.

“Parents who have their daughters in Girl Scouts often start them there to have something to do, but they often stay because they want their girls to learn to be leaders,” she explained. “We teach girls to be leaders here at R-MA, so a lot of the values we have as a military boarding school are similar to the values of Girl Scouts.”

Overall, the Girl Scout leaders and the Girl Scouts themselves seemed pleased with the event, Brooks said. “You always see something to be improved on, especially when you’re doing something the first time, but they immediately asked if we’d do it again.” So far, the answer seems to be a resounding, “Yes!”

R-MA cadets and local Girl Scouts all enjoyed time together during Air Force Pride Day. Photo by Rebekah Secrist.

Christmas Cheer From St. Nicholas Day and a Christmas Tree Illumination to Gingerbread Decorating and a Christmas Banquet, the holiday season was celebrated in style at both the Upper School and Middle School this year!

The Middle School students enjoy gingerbread house decorating (above, far right).

At left, Middle School Student Government Association officers prepare candy canes in celebration of St. Nicholas Day. Above, Upper School students enjoy the Christmas Tree Illumination with R-MA President Maj Gen Maury Forsyth and his wife Tamara.

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Singers Make All-State, Honor Choirs

The Chorus performed at the Salvation Army’s Kettle Kick-Off event.

The R-MA Chorus has had an active year so far, culminating in the second-year selection of Margot Cramer ’14 to the prestigious AllState Chorus in late February.

On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, seven students from RandolphMacon Academy attended the District XIV Chorus auditions at Sherando High School, with five of them earning coveted spots in the chorus: Cramer, Alice Gong ’16, Ming Gong ’14, Regina Song ’14, and Louisa Stanwich ’14.

“Last year we had three students make the group, so we are on the up and up,” observed R-MA Chorus Director Michael DeMato. “I know these five will represent R-MA well!” The District XIV Chorus performance was planned for February 15, 2014, but had to be postponed due to weather. The delay did not hinder Cramer, who successfully auditioned for the All-State Chorus. The Margot Cramer ’14 All-State Chorus is scheduled to perform the weekend of April 26, 2014.

Also this past fall, Cramer, Stanwich, DeMato, and Robin Penn ’14, were selected to the Walt Disney World of Color Honor Choir.

They, along with approximately 1,470 other singers, submitted video auditions to compete for a spot on the Honor Choir. The group learned about the event from R-MA English teacher Robert Davies, whose elective class “Honors The Arts in Society,” had been looking at Grammy®-winning American composer Eric Whitacre’s works and virtual choirs. After noting that Virtual Choir 5 had premiered at Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Anniversary, Davies mentioned the upcoming Honor Choir audition to his class. According to the web site, http://worldofcolorhonorchoir.com/, the song, “Glow,” was “written especially for the World of Color Honor Choir at the Winter Dreams holiday show. The World of Color Honor Choir, inspired by Eric Whitacre’s virtual choirs, is formed of singers from the United States and its territories aged 18 and older, joined by a love of music and technology.”

In addition to these activities, the R-MA chorus opened the Salvation Army’s fundraising season by performing Christmas carols at their Kettle Kick-off in November. Four of the students—Cramer, Song, Penn and Stanwich—also accompanied the band on the Florida trip in January. DeMato had the four girls, who are collectively known as R-MA’s acapella group, “The Stingers,” randomly stop at various places in Disney World and give impromptu performances. Then they managed to get a “gig” performing the National Anthem for the start of the Sunday Old Town Gone Country Truck Cruise in Kissimmee, FL. You can hear some of these wonderful singers during the end-ofyear performances during Family Weekend and Class Night!

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“MSBF,” continued from page 3 “The Military School Band Festival is the largest, and possibly the only event of its kind in our nation, which involves so many military school cadets from all across the United States,” said organizer Ed Richards, the bandmaster at Randolph-Macon Academy. He said that this year’s festival was attended by over 220 cadets, bandmasters, choir directors and chaperones from seventeen military academies and colleges in California, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Vermont and here in Virginia. It was the greatest number of schools Richards could remember ever having attended the Festival.

A special feature this year was This year’s Military School Band Festival a concert for festival drew participants from 17 military schools participants and the from across the country, including R-MA’s own public by the United Ashley McManus ’13, seated second from left. States Army Chorus She is now at Virginia Military Institute. on Friday evening.

Valley Forge Military School and Norwich University claimed the honors for Best Prepared High School Band and Best Prepared College Band, respectively. Cadet Captain Daniel Shefheld of Riverside Military Academy took first place in the Drum Major Competition, with Randolph-Macon Academy’s own Cadet Captain Ming Gong taking second.

R-MA Cadet Evan Kelly ’17 earned first chair and a silver medal for his audition on the bass clarinet.

Upcoming Band Performances Thurs. April 24, 7:30 pm – Family Days Concert, Boggs Chapel Fri. April 25, 10:30 am – Family Days Corps Parade, Riddick Field Fri. May 2, 5:30 pm – Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Firefighters’ Parade Sat. May 3, 1:30 pm -- Shenandoah Apple Blossom Grand Feature Parade Fri., May 23, 2:00 pm -- Final Corps Parade, Riddick Field Sat., May 24, 9:30 am -- Commencement Concert and Ceremony, Melton Gymnasium

R-MA Wows Audience With Grease Performance

By Jessica Neupane ’15 For Fall Family Weekend 2013, the R-MA Drama Department showcased their fantastic production of Grease: The Musical. Grease was originally performed in 1971 at Kingston Mines Theater in Chicago at a trolley barn. Mrs. Kim Cramer, the Drama Director, stated in her introduction that performing the musical in R-MA’s Little Theatre was a great way to take the play back to its roots. Grease became a stupendous hit in the R-MA community even before the first day of the performance.

Chatter in the hallways consisted of “I’m going to wait in line so early, just to get a good seat. I can’t wait!”

Sure enough, the first day of the performance, people started to wait in line at 6:30 pm, with the show starting at 7:30. The line passed the steps in front of Stan Fulton Hall. The show was such a success that for the last scheduled performance half of the audience could not attend because they could not fit into the theatre. The Grease cast was kind enough to host an unscheduled fifth show for the students that were not able to see the show after four extremely successful performances. An enthusiastic audience member, Paige Hollis ’15 said, “It was a really fun adaptation of the musical. You could tell everyone was having a good time, the audience included.”

Eva Bogdewic ’16 (pictured at right), who played the star of the show Sandy Dumbrowski, is a new student this year. She said the students, faculty, and staff of the Little Theatre quickly became her second family: “The drama department was very welcoming and friendly towards me. They accepted me for who I was; they became a part of my life very quickly.” Eva stated that before Grease, she had never been chosen to play a lead role, and that she could not believe that she was Sandy until the night before the performance. However, she is quite experienced in theater and vocals, which she started in middle school.

Her performance drew rave reviews.

The R-MA staff in the play was versatile as well. Due to a last-minute complication, Senior English teacher Mr. Brandon Sloan, the Program Director, played the role of Vince Fontaine, the DJ at the high school dance. About the experience, he stated, “Even though it was last minute, I always enjoy having to work for the R-MA community.”

The musical was such a success that there were more than $1,500 offered in donations to the drama program. Cramer was kind enough to help raise additional donations for The Dignity Project, a project run by R-MA’s Cadets in Action.

Upper School Academic Dean Jonathan Ezell summed up the achievement this way: “The Grease production showed so many facets of our drama program and our school coming together: the art program, the music department, the theatre, and the larger community of students and adults. Many people collaborated to produce a joyous program.”

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Advice from Rear Admiral June E. Ryan, USCG

P O W E R

Positive. “Use affirmative phrases,” Ryan said. The mind and subconscious cannot process the negative. Therefore, if an athlete is told, “Don’t miss the goal,” what the mind processes is, “Miss the goal.”

O M G L O L

Optimism. “Adversity,” she said, “is about hatching butterflies. It will make you stronger and better in the end.”

We. “Raise others up and allow others to raise you up,” she encouraged. “It’s about teamwork.”

Energy and Enthusiasm.

Rest. Everybody needs it!

O what the heck. “A lot of times we don’t take chances because we’re afraid,” she said.

My motivation is from… “It’s about doing it even though you don’t feel like it. Bring others up. We are candles. A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle,” she said.

Goodness. Ryan offered the students a question to ponder. “If God hired you today to do a summer job, what would you want Him to have you do?” After a pause she added, “It’s important to know why you’re here.”

Lead Or be Led. Ryan talked of how geese take turns flying at the front of their formation so that none gets too tired, and if one falls out of the formation, its partner will follow it down.

She also spoke of the redwood tree.

“It’s the oldest living organism on the planet,” she pointed out, “But it has the shallowest root system.” She explained that because the roots and branches intertwine, the wind can never blow against a single tree; it is always blowing against the entire forest. Finally, taking the newest student on campus, Ryan demonstrated how the student knew something she didn’t know: how to get to Maj Gen Maury Forsyth’s office. “Every individual is important and has a part to play,” she said. “It’s about teamwork.”

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Honor, continued from page 5 a quantifiable impact on the campus community as a result of these activities, with about half as many honor cases occurring in spite of more frequent reporting. “The students feel safe reporting and they understand why it’s important to report,” he said. “They’re embracing the idea of taking an honest F instead of a dishonest A.” In addition, the Discipline Review Committee, which handles serious infractions, has 43% fewer cases this year.

“I give the credit to the kids for deciding this is the kind of school we want and saying, ‘This is the future I want to have,’” Williams said. “Seeing the number of kids who say ‘I’m going to do the right thing for the right reasons’ and seeing them understand the value in that has been personally moving for me.”

Summer, continued from page 2 annual summer camp at R-MA find themselves immersed in not only a rich educational environment, but also an incredibly fun one. Each year there is a theme that the activities and enrichment courses are molded around, and this year it is “Aviation in America.” With Randolph-Macon Academy being an Air Force JROTC school with an independent flight program, there is a uniquely vested interest in aviation, so Summer Camp Director and Middle School Principal Derrick Leasure thought the theme was a natural fit.

The aviation theme is embedded into the curriculum in three of the enrichment courses: history, science, and reading and writing.

The “History in Action” course will take a hands-on approach to learning about how the United States progressed from the early stages of flight to the recent developments in space exploration. A focus on the lives of aviation pioneers such as the Wright brothers, Charles Lindbergh, and Amelia Earhart will be integrated into the coursework.

In “Science Explorer,” students will discover how early balloons came about, how early aviation inventors solved lift and stabilizing problems, and how modern unmanned flight works. A field trip to the Smithsonian Air and Space museum will help students visualize some of the concepts being taught in the classrooms. In the workshop-style reading and writing course, several genres will be explored to enjoy pieces focusing on American aviation. Utilizing these literary works, key skills such as reading comprehension and the writing process and practice of creative writing will be refined.

Campers will walk away with a unique experience and an expanded knowledge of aviation and how it has impacted the way the United States functions, all while having a summer filled with fun.

An Additional Opportunity This Summer: Lifeguard Training Another unique opportunity in this year’s summer school program at the Upper School will be Life Guard Training offered from June 30-July 10th at the R-MA pool. Taking place on weekends and during the evening activity period, this course will teach skills in Lifeguard Training for Public and Private pools (LGT), Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) , First Aid and Basic Life Support, Automated Defibrillation Device (AED) Training, and Administering Emergency Oxygen. This program is open only to students attending R-MA summer school this year and is an additional cost of $200 per person. For more information and/or to sign up, contact Student Life Director, Michael S. Williams at mwilliams@rma.edu.

Learn more about R-MA’s Summer Programs at www.rma.edu/summer

Honoring Our Veterans Across Virginia Veterans Day was an extremely busy time for Randolph-Macon Academy’s students and staff as they traveled throughout Northern Virginia to various ceremonies.

On Friday, November 8, 2013, the Randolph-Macon Academy chorus and color guard performed for Warren County Middle School’s Veterans Day Celebration, and Commandant of R-MA, Col Gary Sadler was the guest speaker at the event.

On Sunday, November 10, 2013, the color guards from Randolph-Macon supported several church services that were honoring veterans, from the western part of the state at Restoration Fellowship Church in Strasburg at 11:00 a.m. to the eastern side at Old Bridge United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, VA at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 At right, the R-MA Color Guard presents the colors at the Warren County Middle School Veterans Day Ceremony.

R-MA President Maj Gen Maury Forsyth, USAF Retired, gives the keynote address at the Front Royal Veterans Day Ceremony. The R-MA Color Guard is standing behind him. a.m., and 11:11 a.m. In addition, R-MA’s chaplain, Reverend Lemuel Pearsall, Jr., was the guest preacher for the services in Woodbridge.

On Monday, November 11, 2013, the cadets returned to Front Royal for the local Veterans Day Ceremony which was hosted by the American Legion. The band, honor guard, and color guard were onhand for this event, which began at 11:00 a.m. (prelude began at 10:30 a.m.) on the lawn of the Front Royal Courthouse. Randolph-Macon Academy President Maj Gen Maury Forsyth was the keynote speaker for the event.

Hour of Code

by Jonathan Pederson ’15 There was a time when Computer Engineers and Software Designers were considered wizards or gods, because their art contributed to nearly every facet of life. This art, writing code, scared away the average person because it was obscure and difficult to understand. That day is no more. Today we live in a world where coding is easy to learn, use, and implement. From December 9th to December 15th 2013, a movement began called the “Hour of Code.”

As the title implies, the movement asks for students to utilize one hour of their time to learn how programming works.

While on average one in five students across America completed the Hour of Code, at R-MA, one in three students participated.

Across America, 17,000,000 students committed to at least one hour writing code. Out of the 700,000,000 lines of code written in America, R-MA students wrote approximately 12,000 lines. This movement expanded globally, reaching another 3,000,000 students.

170 total countries contributed to the Hour of Code.

The website conducting this movement, learn.code.org, set up a unique and creative way to teach programming. With help from companies such as Rovio Entertainment (creators of Angry Birds©) and PopCap (creators of Plants vs. Zombies ©); code.org established a fun game-like program, in which students experiment with code.

The website created 119 challenges, each of which accomplishes a medal. To all the participants in R-MA, code.org awarded a total of 246 medals: 38 bronze medals, 105 silver medals, and 103 gold medals.

Congratulations to the following for accomplishing the Hour of Code: Jonathan Pederson ’15 Genhong Lin ‘14 Slayton Speer ’15 Jon Moore ’14 Victor Marshall ’14 Minhua Ma ‘15 Siqi Tang ’14 Grace Alexander ’14 Cole Mitchell ’14 Peng Lin ‘14 Teunis Verheul ’15 Will Long ’16 Ryan Zech ‘14 Bryan Mazzola ’14 Caitlin Bunker ’14 Joseph Monastero ‘16 David Imansuangbon ’17 Ben Gillis ’14 William Wong ’16 Johnny Wong ’16

Jewel Davidson, Falcon Scholar ’14 Matt Sefton, Falcon Scholar ’14 Emmanuel Arellano ’14 Jacob Dodson ’15 Lucas Costas ’17 Amy Gray ’15 Sigi Xie ‘14 Cindy Hou ‘16 Kelli Hutcheson ’14 Fily Thiam ’14 Elenda Nwandu ‘14 Uzo Njoku ’14 Sean Bell ‘17 Mirvalino Baba ‘16 Devin Thompson ’14 Andrew Pak ’14 Jessica Neupane ’15 Rebel Hafner ’15

Kanawa Kainessi ’14 Paige Hollis ’15 Shelby Sebring ’15 Alex Kaufhold ‘14 Edwin Guyette ’14 Matt Montgomery ‘15 Garrett Cavanaugh ’14 John Camerella ’15 Hyungrag Choi ‘14 Dillon Knighting ’15 Amelia Zipparo ’14 Grace Jung ‘14 Katie Lee ‘14 Thomas Kim ’14 Oumar Muhtar ‘14 Kevin Slaton ’14 Brook Blair ’14 Gordon Anderson ’15 Shan Jiang ‘15

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A Proud Moment for the Senior Class

by Rebekah Secrist An important part of Randolph-Macon Academy’s culture led to one of the most significant moments for R-MA’s class of 2014. It is common practice for the senior students to earn privileges from Commandant, Col. Gary Sadler, through maintaining a certain Grade Point Average, meeting inspection standards, and through community service. The privileges are something greatly desired by the students, as earning privileges means the students get to stay up later, participate in fun school activities, and have more freedom. This year however, the class’s community service project would strengthen their class bond.

There is a house near R-MA’s campus that had a very overgrown

front yard creating a safety hazard for the owner because of restricted sight to the road. In the house lives a member of the R-MA community, an alumna who works full-time and helps her elderly father live independently nearby. Michael Williams, R-MA’s director of student life and campus neighbor, suggested cleaning up and maintaining the yard as a senior class community service project. It was a perfect match. The students enjoyed working together and had great satisfaction in seeing the transformation come together, the town of Front Royal has another clean home site, and most importantly, the homeowner now has a clean, beautiful yard.

As organization gave way to the physical work, Brian Barbour, government teacher and faculty advisor to the senior class, said, “It was amazing to see the students enjoying themselves as a closeknit group. They were having a great time and laughing without their phones, iPods, and iPads. It was just wonderful to see them work and have fun at the same time.”

Barbour emphasized how it was entirely a group effort. Engineering teacher Dave Gillis, Mr. Williams, and JROTC department head, Lt Col Ronald McManus, USAF Retired, trimmed trees; and R-MA maintenance provided the necessary tools so that when the students arrived, they were able to lift, pull, and throw all the foliage into the back of the truck. After a few days of raking and cleaning, the transformation was phenomenal.

16 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

D’Andre Allen ’14, a class member who volunteered more than once to go help, claimed to have been most encouraged by the class spirit. “As a class, we see each other, we know of each other, and we have some classes together, but we never get to be together,” Allen explained. “Our class is very diverse, and I loved how it was like a brotherhood out there.” Edwin Guyette ’14 agreed and added that he was proud of how organized they were for such a good nonselfish purpose.

Debbie Kim ’14, vice president of the senior class, added, “We knew this was a meaningful idea, but we were concerned as to how to get everyone to want to do it. We organized. We only had a few groups of 10, but at the last minute, the students just started volunteering. We ended up with 18 per group.” Everyone volunteered, and the students confirmed that by the time it ended, no one cared about privileges. They were just excited about what they were doing together as a class. Guyette affirmed and said, “I know what we did benefited other people, but how we came together was really crucial to our chemistry as a senior class.” Guyette recalled, “There was a vine that covered the whole lawn, and the whole class cut it up, gathered it up, and put it into the truck. It was impressive to see so much diversity of the students all together getting that type of work done. I love that type of work! And I was glad to do it with them.”

This project is not over yet. Barbour explained that it is an ongoing project. “The front of the house is done, but the back of the house is up next,” he said. While the cold winter months have halted their progress, their focus is still that every senior takes a part.

Kim confirmed that there are definite plans to continue with the project. “We want to add low maintenance, perennial flowers, and we plan to plant during the spring once the ground has thawed,” she said.

Barbour believes that the positive attitude of the students will continue to spur them on.

“I was just so impressed with how jovial they were. They laughed . . . and they worked so hard! Nothing about the work seemed mandatory to them. They absorbed the project and got completely involved. When it was all done, the students were looking around and asking, ‘Is there anything else? Let’s keep moving!’ You just don’t see that in high school students all the time!”

Three New Members Join R-MA Board of Trustees

Eric Carlson ’73

Eric Carlson has been named as one of the three newest members of the Randolph-Macon Academy Board of Trustees. Carlson is a partner and CEO of CK&D in Los Angeles.

CK&D is a leading cause marketing and media group that works closely with national and global Courtesy photo non-profits and Fortune 500 companies in the area of brand, strategy, content, CSR, and fundraising.

Carlson was top agent and division head for fifteen years at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the global leader in talent, literary, sports, and music representation. He packaged, sold, or placed more than two billion dollars’ worth of content across multiple platforms including television, film, and digital. He personally represented an all-star list of producers, writers, directors, and production entities considered to be some of the most highly creatively successful talent in the world.

Carlson has also written and produced for television and motion pictures for such companies as Sony, USA Network, NBC Universal, Paramount, and ABC Disney. An active member of the Writers Guild of America and Producers Guild of America, he has written and created multiple feature films and television shows.

Carlson is a 1973 graduate of Randolph-Macon Academy, attending four years, and a 1978 graduate of Ohio University (BSC Television Management). In 1990 he attended The American Film Institute’s graduate Conservatory for one year.

Carlson resides in Los Angeles California with his wife Susan, and their two children Spencer and Samantha. He currently serves on the board of The American Heart Association and the Southern California chapter of the United Way. The web link to Carlson’s company is http://ckd-la.com.

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Lucy Williams Hooper

by Rebekah Secrist Many will remember with fondness R-MA’s Colonel Arvin Samuel Williams, USAF retired, who dedicated over 30 years of his life to Randolph-Macon Academy’s students. Serving as a teacher and coach and in other administrative roles from 1947-1968, Col Williams was also the Academy’s president from 1969-1978. Many also remember his daughter, Lucy Williams (now Lucy Hooper).

Lucy grew up on the R-MA campus and ate her dinner time meals with her family in the R-MA dining hall with the cadets, all of whom were men since at the time it was an all-male school. “I have lots and lots of memories,” she recalled with a smile. “And I actually did go to school there! Former R-MA geometry teacher Jess Brennan gave me a written invitation to join his summer school geometry class.” Lucy’s connections to R-MA run very deep, and she is remembered so fondly that the R-MA class of ‘69 – with whom she shared a graduation year – always includes her in the R-MA homecoming invitation for alumni.

This is not Lucy’s first time as a school trustee member. She served as a trustee at her college alma mater, Randolph College, for 12 years and was with the college through some of its major changes, specifically when it transitioned from an all-woman’s college to a co-educational institution. “I’m trustee emerita there,” she said. “I

was involved with the search for the current new president there, and I still try to help with fundraising.” Lucy is excited to now put her passion and love of education to work at R-MA. With the anticipation of her first meeting with the R-MA Board of Trustees, Lucy said, “I love what I see in the growth and leadership at R-MA. I have much to learn about the current operation and how I can best use my knowledge to further the mission of the academy.”

Lucy has truly put her economics degree to work. She lives with her husband of almost 31 years in Richmond and Irvington, Virginia and has built a 33-year-long career at Davenport and Company, a regional brokerage firm based in Richmond, where she is the director of the fixed income department.

She enjoys reading, traveling, and music whenever she gets the chance.

Photo provided by Randolph-Macon College Right now, her efforts and focus have returned to the home of her childhood, a place very near and dear to her heart. “It’s really about having a student focus,” she concluded. “I think in the end that’s why anyone decides to be the trustee of an educational institution: because of the care and concern for the students. It’s not just about college preparation, but the enrichment of their lives. That’s what I’m really excited about.”

Glenn Carrington

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Glenn R. Carrington P’08 began his service on the Randolph-Macon Academy Board of Trustees in January 2014. Carrington has had an illustrious law career for over 30 years, both in private practice and the government.

He is now the National Tax Director for Client Services at Ernst & Young LLP (EY), a multinational professional services firm with global headquarters in London, United Kingdom and U.S. headquarters in New York.

Courtesy photo Carrington works with clients in the areas of corporate, tax accounting, and financial transactions. He also develops and implements strategy for the EY tax practice with an emphasis on key accounts for the firm. His experience includes handling high-profile issues, including corporation reorganizations and spin-offs, contingent liabilities, capitalization, intangibles, bankruptcies, and environmental remediation. Carrington also serves on the U.S. Executive Board at EY. Carrington, a member of the ABA Taxation Section, believes in serving not just his clients, but his community and fellow man in general. He is a frequent lecturer at the Practising Law Institute (PLI), a non-profit continuing legal education organization, and the author of Tax Accounting in Mergers and Acquisitions. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Norfolk State University Foundation and is also a Special Olympics basketball coach.

Carrington’s association with R-MA came when his son began

See Trustees, page 18 17 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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Stem Summit, continued from page 3 challenges included: “Turning Over a New Leaf” (Biology) – Students had to identify leaves and needles using a dichotomous key.

“All Mixed Up” (Chemistry) – This challenge involved identifying six unknown mixtures by putting them through reactions with acetone, vinegar, mineral oil, and water.

“Holy Roller” (Physics) – Students were provided with a length of insulated foam tubing The“Knights of Pi”-Shelby Sebring that was cut in half lengthwise, pieces of duct tape, and a ’15, Ixel Ochoa ’15, Paige Hollis marble. The challenge was ’15, and Madeleine Oram ’15--try to design a roller coaster with to figure out who killed Cal Culus. at least one hill from which a Photo by Margaret Melberg P’15. marble could be launched. The winning score was calculated by multiplying the height of the hill and the distance that the marble travelled.

“Who Killed Cal Culus?” (Math) - Students were provided with pieces of evidence and had to use different math equations to determine time of death, body temperature, and shoe size of suspects to ultimately determine who committed the crime.

“Playing Doctor: Building a Spinal Construct” Students were given a human x-ray depicting spinal scoliosis along with a sheet of specifications for different materials. The challenge was to design a spinal construct by calculating the Cobb angle and incorporate the weight load of each material along with the provided safety factors.

Attendees also were eligible for individual prizes by submitting responses to a variety of brainteasers and math/science problems that were made available during the breaks. A buffet of snacks, beverages, and a light lunch was provided by our very gracious hosts from Foxcroft.

The high school competition came to a close during midday when medals were awarded to winners of each individual challenge and the top-scoring team overall. R-MA’s “Stoichiometry Stars” were awarded the medal for achieving the highest score in “Playing Doctor: Building a Spinal Construct.”

Trustees, continued from previous page attending the military school. “I saw what the Academy did for my son, and I really want to be part of that,” he said. “The world is going to be a better place when our children are productive and responsible.

If everyone gets involved with raising their children, it would be a better world. It does take a whole family, a whole community, to raise a child.”

Carrington’s personal passions have given him the goals of helping the Academy to continue to improve its diversity, and to help the sports program grow with the academic program.

“I love what R-MA is doing in athletics, because it gives everyone a chance,” he said. “My son never played football before, and we found out that he’s very good.” Citing the examples of Duke University and Stanford University, he pointed out, “There is a correlation between perceived prestige and success in sports. Having a strong sports program shows students how to have a balanced life.”

Carrington graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1980. In addition to his work with PLI, he also gives lectures at the Penn State/New York Bar Institute - Annual Tax Aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions; New York University Tax Institute on Federal Taxation; TEI Conferences and University of Virginia’s Annual Virginia Conference on Federal Taxation. He is listed in the Corporate Tax section of the International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers.

Check out R-MA’s

NEW ONLINE SCHOOL STORE!

Visit it today at http://bit.ly/shopR-MA. Or use your mobile device to scan this QR code: Use the promo code spr140 to get $10 off through the end of May! 18 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Join us for a faculty and staff vs. students basketball game on Thursday, May 1st!

Watch www.rma.edu for more information!

From the Parents’ Association

R-MA Falcon Scholars Increase, Continue Success

by Jonathan Pederson ’15

Being an active participant in the Parents’ Association is an incredibly rewarding feeling! The students’ appreciation for the warmth and care we provide is evident; we truly have become an association of R-MA homemakers. Having the students recognize our efforts as we help make the boarding school feel more like a home has been the encouragement that keeps us going strong. Particularly, the feedback we receive from the food we serve at football games or basketball games tells us that the students are comforted to see the R-MA moms care for their needs - such as yummy food!

The Parents’ Association has enjoyed other forms of encouragement as well. This year we were able to donate $5,000 towards the new floor for the Upper School Student Services area. The students’ words of appreciation, as presented in warm thank-you notes, were definitely felt! Removing the linoleum and putting wood floors in Student Services was important because the student lounge is where the students congregate and share daily experiences together.

Thanks to the new floors, there is a more homey feeling in a place where so many memories are made.

Moments like these make my position in the Parents’ Association extremely rewarding. The PA is a worthy tradition at R-MA. It is my hope that the Association will expand so that we can do even more to bless the school.

Angie Williams P’11, ’13, ’16, PA President

The new floor provided by the Parents’ Association has created a different atmosphere in the Student Services area.

Maj Gen Maury Forsyth, USAF Retired (at left), and Lt Gen Jay Kelley, USAF Retired, president of the Falcon Foundation (at right), present scholarships to this year’s Falcon Scholars at R-MA: Matthew Sefton, Jordan Wiggins, Naji Bseiso, Patrick Coleman, and Jewel Davidson.

Following the previous year’s success in the Falcon Foundation Program (in which R-MA Falcon Scholars George Beals and Carissa Vaccaro earned appointments to and are now at the United States Air Force Academy, a.k.a. USAFA), Randolph-Macon Academy accepted five Falcon Scholars for the 2013-2014 school year. This year’s Falcon Scholars include Patrick Coleman from Delaware, Jordan Wiggins from Ohio, Naji Bseiso from California, Matthew Sefton from Illinois, and Jewel Davidson from Virginia. All five students have received their appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy for the 2014-15 school year.

The Falcon Scholarship Program is a non-profit organization established in 1958 to provide scholarships to junior college or private preparatory schools for motivated young people seeking admission to USAFA and a career in the Air Force. The Falcon Scholarship maintains an approximate 96% admission rate into the Air Force Academy. Only seven schools in the US are designated as Falcon Schools.

Ryan Latham ’18 Wins School-Level Geographic Bee, Qualifies for States

After an intense contest in which the last two competitors went through almost every tiebreaker in the book, eighth grader Ryan Latham of Amissville, VA, finally emerged as Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School’s champion in the National Geographic Bee. His eighth grade classmate, Gabe Dubin of Front Royal, was the wellrespected runner-up.

According to the National Geographic web site, http://www. nationalgeographic.com/geobee/, “Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography.” The contest is open to students in grades four through eight.

Shortly after his win, Latham took a written test and successfully qualified for the state level bee to be held April 4th.

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by Rebekah Secrist

Two R-MA Students Win Veterans of Foreign Wars Awards

Kimberly Pitts ’18

Kimberly Pitts ’18 of Silver Spring, Maryland is captain of the middle school volleyball and basketball teams as well as a member of the National Junior Honor Society. This talented young woman, who loves to sing and is an avid reader, recently won third place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars essay contest.

The essay was about what Patriotism meant to the student, something very personal to Pitts. Her whole family has strong military ties, including her mother, who is a West Point graduate and is currently working for Homeland Security.

“Winning just meant so much to me,” Pitts said.

“Everyone in my family is or was in the military.”

Pitts credits her mom with teaching her about patriotism as she grew up. “For me, patriotism has always been devotion and love for one’s country,” Pitts said.

“It’s important because if you’re here in America, then you enjoy a unique freedom. We are all so lucky to be here. I am definitely proud to be American.” Pitts described her feelings at the moment she won: “I had butterflies when they said my name,” Pitts said with a sweet smile. “The award certificate was in a beautiful, blue felt folder with the VFW stamp on it. I was awarded 25 dollars and the Patriot’s Pen pin.”

Besides enjoying the freedom in America, Pitts has a passion for American culture, specifically fashion. “Fashion draws me in. It’s my muse,” Pitts stated. “In the future I would love to be a fashion photographer and go into visual arts or be an editor. I love the selfexpression of clothing. My personal style is sassy and fun.”

Pitts is looking forward to moving on to the Upper School next year and took a moment to thank R-MA for helping her get through Middle School. “R-MA saved me,” Pitts said. “I wasn’t really happy before I came here. R-MA is my home away from home.”

just love being outdoors in America. It’s hard to walk up a mountain, but when you get to the top, you feel amazing. People get to do that because veterans give their lives so we can have freedom to hike up a mountain and do things they may not get to do in their life. I really appreciate the veterans for doing that!” Secrist’s touching sincerity comes from his adventurous spirit and his appreciation for what he calls the “vast” parts of America. He has always believed that the noble men and women who serve were the wall that separated him from everything dangerous. To him, they are heroes, and winning the VFW award meant a great deal to him.

“When they called my name and I won the award, I felt amazed!”

Secrist said. “I couldn’t believe I won the award. There were so many other students that I thought for sure would win it, and I didn’t think I stood a chance. Then I won, and I felt really proud and honored that the veterans noticed what I wrote, because I really meant what I said.”

Secrist was also honored to meet the veterans who came to give the award consisting of a velvet blue folder with his certificate and $50 prize money. “It was an awesome moment,” Secrist said. “The folder even had a real military veteran seal on it!”

As his first year begins to wrap up, Secrist is grateful and happy to be at R-MA and hopes to stay here through high school graduation. “The Upper School sounds awesome,” Secrist said. “It seems like more of a challenge, but I really like the uniforms they wear. I want to be one of those guys with the ropes around their arm.” With so much ahead, Secrist is happy where he is and remains grateful to the veterans. “RMA isn’t an ordinary school,” Secrist said. “It’s different, and I’m really glad I got accepted so I could come here. I don’t think I’d be here if it weren’t for our veterans.”

John Mark Secrist ’20 John Mark Secrist ’20 is from Winchester, Virginia and is in his first year here at R-MA. Adjusting to R-MA was difficult at first, Secrist said, but he is rapidly feeling more and more at home.

“Playing soccer and being on the swim team really helped,” he said.

“I’ve made a lot of friends, and the education is way better here.

I really like the size of the classes, and the teachers really devote themselves to helping me learn.”

Secrist has come a long way, and one of his first proud moments during his initial year at R-MA was winning second place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. The topic of the essay contest was to describe what patriotism meant to the student and why they were proud to live in the United States. Secrist said that he took the essay extremely seriously because of his love for the U.S.A. “I just love America! It’s so pretty,” he said. “I think of Sky Meadows [a state park in Virginia] where my sister takes me hiking. I 20 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Open Houses Know someone who might be interested in attending Randolph-Macon Academy?

Let them know about our upcoming open houses!

April 27, 2014 May 26, 2014 June 8, 2014 For more information or to register, visit www.rma.edu/open-house or call 540-636-5484.

by Rebekah Secrist

Cadet Jacob Dodson: Setting the Beat

R-MA day student Jacob Allen Dodson ’15 is a cadet senior master sergeant, the Interact Club President, a member of the National Honor Society, a varsity golfer, the band equipment manager, and a drummer in the marching band. Dodson’s extremely kind and pleasant attitude has put him in the R-MA spotlight. Dodson said that being a student at R-MA since middle school has played a huge role in his development. “I really like being a part of the community at R-MA, and it’s been really great to grow and mature here while still getting to be in the comfort of my own hometown, Front Royal.”

It has definitely been a journey for Dodson, but his years at R-MA have been kind to him. The time has allowed him to find his nitch while still becoming a well-rounded individual. Of his various positions on campus, he is most proud of his role on the Honor Council. “It’s our job to uphold honor in the school,” Dodson said proudly, “We’re that bridge between the students and the faculty. I take pride in upholding my own honor, so I enjoy helping others do that. It’s important! Honor will benefit us wherever we go.”

There is something nearer to his heart, however, than being on the honor council. “I love being in the band,” Dodson said, smiling.

“I chose band because there’s a feeling about being in a community of likeminded friends. We come together for a common goal: music.”

Music is so important to him because he feels it expresses a part of him that couldn’t otherwise be expressed. “I wouldn’t pick another activity,” Dodson said. “Band is my thing; music is my thing. It’s my way to release whatever I’m going through.” Here, Dodson complimented the band instructor, Mr. Richards. “He’s more than a teacher; he’s a friend.” With so much structure and formality, Dodson loves how band provides a venue where he can separate himself from everything going on and just have fun.

The band has definitely had some fun over the years! Specifically,

the band goes annually to Florida where they perform at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and has a long-standing tradition of performing in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In addition, the band had the honor of being requested to perform at the National Rifle Association three times (2010-2012), and Dodson was a part of that in both 2011 and 2012.

“There are just so many opportunities when you’re connected at R-MA,” Dodson said. “Because of my experience with the R-MA band, I got asked to play the timpani in the community band here in Front Royal. That’s huge! It’s just great to be involved in something bigger than yourself.”

Dodson has very scholastically ambitious plans for the future.

His top two college choices are William and Mary and Washington and Lee where he wants a degree in American History. It is a dream of his to teach history at the college level, hopefully while working at a museum.

No doubt that he will go and do just that. Dodson is a diligent worker who will get a job done. He has found his place at R-MA in the band and the classroom, but he is looking forward to all that the future has in store for him.

A College Sucess Story: Faith Funderberg

by Rebekah Secrist What first impressed me about Faith Funderberg ’14 was her smile and the way she held eye contact, but as she began to talk and answer my questions, I realized she is one of the most articulate, driven, and kind individuals I have ever met.

Her personal drive and willingness to listen to advice are what led to her extreme success in college applications.

The diligent young cadet was among the first to receive acceptance letters into all six of the colleges to which she applied! Possibly even more impressive was the fact that Funderberg earned at least a half scholarship from each one. Of the six colleges, Funderberg eventually selected Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Arizona campus).

At Embry-Riddle, Funderberg plans to pursue air traffic management and security, but she also has a strong interest in international relations, specifically, the humanitarian aspect of that major would allow her to work for an emergency relief organization.

Either way, Funderberg gets to pick from the cream of the crop, and

she gratefully credits R-MA with providing the foundation for her college application success.

“Chief [Chief Master Sergeant Mary Gamache] likes to go around to the classes during our junior year [and encourage us] to start looking at colleges, to help us understand what we want, and assist with our resume development. By the end of my junior year, I had taken my SAT and my parents and I decided we would spend half the summer looking at different colleges I was interested in.” Funderberg visited about 10 different colleges with an evaluation sheet that Gamache helped her create to determine the pros and cons of each college such as size, dorms, meal plans, and student programs.

With that evaluation sheet as a guide, and by using the college folder technique taught to her (keeping a folder for every college she visited), Funderberg narrowed down her college search to the final six, and when school started, Funderberg started applying to the colleges. It wasn’t as hard as she thought, since Ms. Lynne Schoonover, the 11th grade English teacher, has the cadets write a basic rough draft for a college essay during their junior year. That essay undergoes extensive proofreading and critiquing from more than one person, and Funderberg used it for all six of her applications, although she did personalize it for each university.

All of Funderberg’s efforts were rewarded. Because she applied so early, most of the colleges had time to respond within three weeks of her application submission! This is largely due to the fact that Funderberg set her own due dates. “Each college,” she said, “has their own application due date, but I made mine a month earlier. That way,

See “Faith,” page 28

21 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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R-MA’s Dynamic Starlet Lights Up Stage

by Rebekah Secrist Natalie Pendie ’15 of Stafford, Virginia is in her second year at R-MA where she is a cadet staff sergeant and the NCOIC for Cadet Development.

What really puts Pendie in the R-MA spotlight is her incredible talent and zeal onstage, and Pendie is as captivating in person as she is in the theater.

“I’ve been in plays since kindergarten,” she said. “I love the thrill of being on stage and having the attention. I love that I can play someone other than myself and make that role come to life. When I do that, the audience gets to see a different side of me.”

“Natalie has been a huge gift to the drama department here at R-MA,” said Kim Cramer, R-MA’s drama teacher. “She is a terrific character actress with strong, natural instincts on stage. She creates unique, humorous characters that draw the audience in.”

Many members of the R-MA family may remember Pendie’s dynamic performance as “Mushu” in the 2013 production of Mulan. Yes, Mushu is a male character, but for those who saw her performance, Pendie changed that. Pendie felt that the role of Mushu held a part of her that she usually keeps contained at R-MA. “I’m usually respectful,” Pendie said. “I have to be! I never get to be crazy in class; it’s all bottled up, but I got to release that part of me by playing Mushu.” With the audience keeping her going, and by feeding off the vibes from the other talent on stage, Pendie says that no two performances were the same. “I adjust the delivery of lines; I add comedic elements and gestures for every audience. I feed off their

responses and do whatever it takes to make even the toughest critic laugh.”

In November 2013 Pendie played Patty Simcox in R-MA’s production of Grease (pictured at left). At first, Pendie was disappointed because she was hoping for the complex character role of Rizzo, the top “Pink Lady.” “When I hear a story, I don’t look for the main character,” she explained. “I look for the most dynamic character or the antagonist. The main character is usually one-sided, and I love to empower the persona of the antagonist because that lends to making the protagonist stronger and the whole production more powerful.” Eventually, Pendie found her inspiration when she decided to turn the role of Patty into something bigger than what it appeared. “I thought, ‘People don’t really remember Patty from the movie, but I’ll make sure they remember Patty now!’” she said.

Being able to capitalize on moments and find the hidden gems of a supporting character has been a key component in Pendie’s gift for lighting up stages. She gives it her all, every time. “Being on stage is a once in a lifetime thing,” she said. “I don’t know who’s watching; but I’m that character, and it’s that character’s time to shine.” Believing in the sub-tones of plot lines and the hidden messages of a production, Pendie feels that playing a dynamic character is a powerful tool to inform the public about current issues. Pendie says that she is confident in her ability to utilize the pain, anguish, or dilemma of a character facing a current issue to create something beautiful and powerful. “Sometimes pain makes us strong,” she observed. “Being able to harness that strength and then from darkness have a burst of light shows people how strong you are. That is a powerful thing! And I would love to be discovered one day in a role that incorporates that.”

R-MA’s theater queen is definitely an inspiration to those around her, but Pendie gathers her inspiration from her mother who she claims is her hero. “My mom is a strong person,” she proudly stated. “And she’s a very dynamic character. She raised me by herself, and she cares about me so much. Everything I do and every See “Pendie,” page 28

Ben Gillis: All-Around Honors It could have been a case of spreading himself too thin, but somehow, Ben Gillis ’14 managed to play two varsity sports, fulfill his duties as corps commander, apply to college, and keep up with his school work during the fall season. Not only did he play two varsity sports, but he won conference honors in both. And he didn’t just keep up with his schoolwork—he was named to the Dean’s List.

“I don’t know how,” he readily admitted.

It could be that his family tends to be full of hard workers who throw themselves into whatever they do with enthusiasm and passion. Or it could be that he’s just used to the pace. After all, he started playing soccer when he was six years old, and he hasn’t stopped since. That experience eventually led him to the varsity soccer team at R-MA, but it was a rocky start.

“My freshman year, we had trouble filling the roster for the JV team,” he said. “At the end of the season they combined it with varsity.” He paused for a few seconds. “There’s something about the varsity level. I still get butterflies in my stomach before a varsity game, no matter what the sport.” His sophomore year was abbreviated 22 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

when he was kicked five minutes into the first game.

Although he didn’t know it at the time, Gillis’s fibula broke in two places, and his ankle fractured as well. It was a dark time, as the active athlete had a hard time adjusting to the regiment of rest.

The next fall, things finally came together for Gillis as he played on the varsity soccer team and was recruited into being the kicker for the football team.

“Coach Sullivan asked me as the soccer captain if I knew of anyone who might be willing to kick for the football team,” Gillis recalled. “I said I’d be willing to give it a try.”

As a defensive player in soccer, Gillis was used to kicking the ball as hard as he could to clear it out of his team’s goal area. He attended football camp and soon had the mechanics of kicking down to a science. This year, as a senior, he returned to play for both teams once again, in spite of having been named corps commander in the Air Force JROTC program.

“I did not expect it,” he said of being named corps commander.

“It took a good month for it to settle into my mind. When we were See “Gillis,” page 40

Italian Student Enjoying R-MA

by Rebekah Secrist Filippo Bandera ’18 is in his first year at R-MA where he’s been enjoying playing soccer. Bandera is from Milan, Italy. After hearing the praise of military prep schools, Bandera’s family started searching for a military school, and chose R-MA because of the quality teachers and the small sizes of the classes.

“There’s always time for me to understand the lesson being explained,” Bandera said. “And I just like the environment here. I’m a boarding student, so I like getting to talk to my friends all the time.

I’m never lonely.” Bandera said he enjoys the structure of R-MA along with the fun activities the school plans for the students, such as camping, paintball trips, and weekend trips to amusement parks with the other students.

Bandera always has an upbeat attitude. He excels in his classes and is currently on the principal’s list for good grades; he is planning on doing his best to keep things that way as he moves into the Upper School next year. “I’m looking forward to the upper school academics,” Bandera said. “It’ll be more of a challenge, and I really want to do well and play sports so I can get into a good college.” As for what he’ll miss from middle school, Bandera gives middle school teacher Josh Ilnicki a shout-out. “Mr. Ilnicki is my favorite teacher; I have him for math and health. I can always talk to him. He’s always kind and he’s always happy.”

As the school year draws to a close, Bandera is looking forward to hanging out with his friends and family in their summer beach home on Sardinia Island. When he returns to R-MA in the fall, he is planning on giving it his all in the Upper School.

by Rebekah Secrist

Methodist Student Making Her Mark

by Jessica Neupane ’15 Madeline Chafin ’14, the daughter of Elizabeth and Christopher Dukes of Wake Forest, NC and Micheal and Debbie Chafin of Raleigh, NC, is currently in her fourth year at R-MA, and has found success in nearly every aspect of life at this Virginia boarding school.

In the Air Force JROTC program, Chafin is currently the Squadron Commander of 1st Squadron, which means she is responsible for all three flights of the squadron—essentially every girl in grades 9-12 at Randolph-Macon Academy. She periodically checks up on each hallway, ensuring the girls’ safety, satisfaction, and academic performance. She is also the unarmed drill team commander, a military performance team that competes around the region.

In athletics, Chafin plays three varsity sports: crosscountry, soccer, and basketball, the latter of which she is the captain. She is also in High Flight, a demanding and athletic military academy prep program that meets twice each week.

Even with all of this going on, Chafin manages to perform well academically. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Society, and National English Honor Society, and she has won the Outstanding Student Award for the 20th Century Warfare elective class. Aside from all these achievements, she participated in the British Exchange Program and this year is co-editor of the R-MA yearbook.

Given all that she is involved in (and successful at!), Chafin See Chafin, page 28

Vaughan Excels in All Areas

Sarah Vaughan ’18 is a day student who first came to R-MA in the sixth grade. Fast-forward a couple of years and this ambitious young woman has been captain of the middle school soccer and basketball teams, and she has consistently been on the Principal’s or President’s List, maintaining an average 3.9 - 4.1 GPA. Her two older siblings, Jessica ’12 and Tyler ’15 are part of the R-MA family, and it was their good experiences that influenced her family’s decision for her to attend R-MA as well.

Now as an eighth grader, Vaughan is preparing to enter into the Upper School, a transition she is looking forward to. “I am looking forward to a bigger environment,” Vaughan said. What Vaughan particularly enjoys about being a student at R-MA is how easy the teachers are to talk to. Her favorite subject is Literature. She loves writing and is constantly trying to advance her skills every chance she gets; sometimes, she even asks Mr. Bill Curl ‘66, her English teacher, for more assignments. Curl is happy to oblige. “Sarah is a very talented young writer,” Curl said. “She enjoys writing vivid, imaginative stories that have a moral or happy ending. I could definitely see Sarah as an author of children’s books once she completes her formal education.”

When she’s not at school, working on writing, or playing sports, Vaughan enjoys expressing herself in art and practicing the piano,

an instrument she’s been learning for the past seven years. “I love music,” Vaughan said. “I love that I can hear music, play it myself, and have it sound the same.”

In spite of her busy schedule, Vaughan has still found time to start thinking about after high school plans. “I want to go to Penn State, and I would like do something medical to be a doctor, or maybe I’d like to take journalism.” Either way, Vaughan expressed her appreciation for the blessing R-MA has been in her life. “I would like to thank all the teachers for guiding me,” Vaughan said. “Middle School has been a challenging and enjoyable experience. During my transition into the high school, I will definitely try to remember everyone’s advice.” No doubt she will, and the R-MA family looks forward to having her in the Upper School.

23 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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Teacher of the Year, 2012-13: Joshua Ilnicki

by Rebekah Secrist In the Middle School building at R-MA, there is a classroom where pairs of running shoes adorn the walls. Another pair lies in a bag to the right of the teacher’s desk, and if you ask the teacher about it, he’ll inform you that he has another four or five pairs at home. Surprisingly, these shoes belong to a man who believes in running barefoot, but that’s where the irony ends. The owner of these running shoes is one of the kindest teachers one will ever meet and lives that character out in all aspects of his life. His name is Joshua Ilnicki, and he is R-MA’s 2012-13 Faculty of the Year.

Ilnicki earned his bachelor’s in health and physical education from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. In addition to coaching cross-country and track for the R-MA Upper School and Middle School and the Middle School girls’ basketball team, Ilnicki teaches health, physical education, and pre-algebra at R-MA. Like the other teachers at R-MA, he also doubles as a mentor; his mentees are the sixth grade boys. Ilnicki loves the relationship this allows him to have with the students. “Some of the boys just want to talk about sports, a few kids want help with their pre-algebra, and others just want to talk about being homesick. But tutoring and being a mentor really provides the students with the attention they need. It solidifies what’s being taught.” Ilnicki acknowledged that sometimes students just want the attention to be praised for good work or help reaching that “Ah-ha!” moment. He loves guiding students to that moment when something clicks, and is honored to be a part of the environment that facilitates their learning experience.

For this environment, Ilnicki praises R-MA. “R-MA is very prosocial and family oriented. Everyone knows everybody, and we all

have each other’s backs. I remember back in my public school years, I didn’t know the principal very well, or the students, their parents, or the other teachers. That’s not the case here at all.” It’s obvious that Ilnicki’s personality mixes well with the school. “I get to teach on a personal level,” Ilnicki claimed. “Education, social, and family life.

That’s what sets R-MA apart.”

Ilnicki is set apart also, and his prosocial philosophy--the belief that we should voluntarily do things to help others--is reflected all over his classroom. “I never lie,” Ilnicki stated. “The truth is hard, but I am always honest. I fully believe in paying it forward. I believe in kindness, in hopes that people do the same for someone else down the road.” Ilnicki helps promulgate this value through his ARK chart: an Act of Random Kindness chart. Depending on how many “ARKs” the children earn, they receive a reward, with the grand prize being a pizza and Slurpee day with Ilnicki. ARK’s include holding the door open, picking up a dropped pencil, giving encouragement to another student who is struggling in gym, and others.

This idea stemmed from Ilnicki’s “I care” mentality that he claimed he inherited from his seventh grade science teacher whom he credits, along with his grandfather, as the reason he pursued a career in education. It has to do with the teacher genuinely caring.

“Sometimes a student doesn’t do homework,” Ilnicki explained. “And they’ll say, ‘I don’t care.’ Well, I respond with, ‘I care.’ Sometimes that’s all that’s needed is someone else’s caring.” This teaching philosophy coupled with the safe, warm learning environment offered at R-MA is what Ilnicki believes will encourage students to reach their highest potential.

So what does a man so devoted to the school do in his free time?

According to him, “When not at school I love to spend time with my wife, Sara and my pulchritudinous [Ilnicki’s favorite word to describe something beautiful] two-year-old daughter, Estella.” His gratitude is extended out to the R-MA family whom he knows is right beside him in his passion for the school and its students. “From the bottom of my heart I just want to say thank you to everyone who makes it a community,” Ilnicki said. “It makes the environment a pleasure to come to daily.”

Coach of the 2012-13 School Year: Brandy Hudson

by Jonathan Pederson ’15 For many people, finding a passion and career occurs later in life. Not for R-MA Assistant Athletic Director, Brandy Hudson. Hudson found her passion to work with athletes and athletics in high school when she and a friend decided to coach a youth recreation soccer team. From that point, Hudson discovered a passion that now defines her as a great coach, and has earned her a second R-MA Coach of the Year Award, this one for 2012-13.

Hudson has worked with a diverse group of athletes: from youth recreation to middle school, to varsity; from organizations, to public schools, to private schools.

Through these positions, she has gained an experience and passion that empowers her 24 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

to be a phenomenon amongst youth and even other coaches. Hudson’s coaching philosophy is to stay consistent with your coaching style, let the players know you are there, and--most important--have fun.

Beginning with youth soccer, Hudson discovered how to have fun with students.

Hudson notes that the main goal in coaching youth soccer is to maintain the athletes’ attention. In order to do that you must ensure the athletes are having fun. Hudson adapted a participative coaching style into this. She learned that if she participated with the athletes, she could keep their attention, teach them through example, let them have fun, and even have fun herself.

She has maintained a positive coaching environment throughout her coaching career.

Student athletes remark that if she asks them to run a hill, she too will be running the hill. Hudson agreed, “I challenge myself as I challenge the athletes.” This shows the athletes that she is there for them.

One of her athletes since sixth grade, Amy Gray ‘15, remarked, “As a sixth grader I had only played town soccer with my father as the coach. Hudson was a new type of coach to me. She was strict but understanding and made soccer my favorite part of the day.

She instilled within me a passion and love for the game.”

Entering the varsity level, most athletes already know how to play the game. Now the key is practice, practice, practice. Varsity athletes still need to learn techniques, tactics, and details to the game. Here Hudson

by Rebekah Secrist

Mentor of the Year, 2012-13: Bill Curl ’66

Bill Curl is a man of many hats at R-MA. In addition to being R-MA’s Middle School English teacher, Curl is the Middle School golf and basketball coach as well as the varsity golf coach.

Over the years, he has also coached football, baseball, track and wrestling. In addition to all of these positions, Curl also proudly wears the hat of a mentor for a group of middle school boys, and for this he was named the 2012-2013 Mentor of the Year at R-MA. Curl’s biography begins in Front Royal, his hometown.

Curl became a student at R-MA in eighth grade. Following his graduation from R-MA in ‘66, Curl went on to be an English major at Wake Forest University, a Division I college where he played baseball alongside Craig Robinson, a former pro baseball player for the Atlanta Braves. Four years later, Curl emerged with a bachelor’s degree in English and credits his success at a Division I college to the the educational experience and structured environment at R-MA. Following his college graduation, Curl returned to teach at R-MA, but left after two years to pursue a career with Atlantic Research Corporation where he was promoted to the Division Pricing Engineer in charge of all government contract negotiations during the Cold War. Following the end of the Cold War, Research and Development contracts were no longer needed, and he chose to return to R-MA as a teacher with the desire to teach others the values he learned at R-MA. “R-MA was the best experience of my life,” Curl said, expressing his loyalty to R-MA. “It’s mostly the feeling of family here that brought me back. I wanted to give back to the R-MA community.” Curl has definitely given back and has passed on values of responsibility and selfless giving to his mentee group.

Javon Farmer ’18 thinks the world of Curl. “He’s amazing!”

Farmer said. “He understands and can make a relationship with anyone. He’s so down-to-earth, too. I remember at basketball practice he was shouting coaching orders across the court and halfway through just started laughing. I know he cares, all the time.”

Fellow student John Backo ’18 agreed with Farmer. “He does care,” Backo said. “He’ll listen to what we need to say and be genuinely concerned about all of his mentees and students. Plus

coaches them based on her knowledge and experiences as well as the knowledge and experiences of her assistant coaches.

Hudson said that it was quite tough to say good-bye to her recent assistant coach, Mr. Kerry Hurst as he left to teach overseas. She recalled, “He was very knowledgeable of the game and the girls loved him as a coach.”

Hudson explained the differences between coaching public schools and R-MA by pointing out that R-MA allows her to see the athletes more

he’s got a great sense of humor; he’s always in a good mood. And if he’s ever not, it takes us five minutes, and we put him in a good mood again.

He’s awesome.”

While earning Mentor of the Year is certainly a title of genuine accomplishment, Curl stated firmly, “My mentees won the award.

Not me. I’m so proud of them! They did so many community service hours. From cleaning dishes and tables in the cafeteria to collecting over a hundred stuffed animals for a local children’s charity, they maintained an unselfish service-oriented attitude. They are really the winners of the award, not me.” While Curl claims that it was the extraordinary group of young men that brought their group recognition, R-MA was certainly grateful for his leadership. Curl didn’t stand on the sidelines, he was right there with his mentees, even while painting the concession stands and bathrooms at the Front Royal Parks and Recreation properties.

“It’s been very rewarding,” Curl claimed and pointed out the nurturing aspect that is unique to R-MA. “As a teacher, coach, and mentor, I get to understand these students better and know their ambitions on a personal level. It’s a great thing to watch the light come on when they ‘get it,’ and seeing them go on to the Upper School and watching that extraordinary group of young men leave R-MA better than when they came here is the reward.”

While Curl has taught at R-MA for altogether 18 years, he is starting to think about post-retirement pursuits. When asked what he wants to do in retirement, he winked and said, “Play a lot of golf.”

often. This enables the relationship between coach and athlete to grow stronger, increasing team spirit and competitiveness.

It was Hudson’s knowledge, coaching philosophy, and persistence, along with the knowledge and experience of her assistant coach and the passion and competitiveness of the athletes, which led the varsity girls’ soccer team to a DAC Championship and earned her the R-MA Coach of the Year Award for 2012-13.

Quarterly Awards

Congratulations to our quarterly award winners!

4th Quarter Awards 2012-13

Mentor - Bill Curl ’66 Faculty - Joshua Ilnicki Team - Flight Department Employee - Jennifer Brinklow Coach of the Spring Season - Brandy Hudson

1st Quarter Awards 2013-14 Mentor - Christine Meyer Faculty - Jonathan Kuiper Team - Housekeeping Employee - Jim Corby

2nd Quarter Awards 2013-14

Mentor - Jonathan Kuiper Faculty - Lynne Schoonover Team - Finance Employee - Charlie Brooks Coach of the Fall Season - Jeff Moxie 25 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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Full Circle: SMSgt Bob Lewallen, USAF Retired

R-MA selected Lewallen, as the oldest Airmen on campus, to cut the

By Jonathan Pederson ’15 anniversary cake in conjunction with the youngest airman.

“I was truly honored and happy to receive our nation’s flag that During these 50 years, Lewallen has experienced what he flew over Randolph-Macon Academy on the 50th anniversary of my described as “the greatest years of my life. I would not trade it for enlistment in the United States Air Force. I’ve been very lucky and anything.” He visited 49 of the 50 states in the United States, and blessed to have a loving and caring family, be a citizen of the greatest hopes to visit his 50th state, North Dakota, in the near future. country in history, and spend the last 50 years working for the United While R-MA certainly has been different from States Air Force and Randolph-Macon Academy. It’s the Air Force, Lewallen still greatly enjoys his career impossible to get any better.” at the Academy. Through his 27 years at R-MA, These were the words of retired MSgt Robert Lewallen experienced the good, the bad, and the Lewallen, U.S. Air Force Retired, after he received worst--such as in 1995, when a devastating fire the U.S. flag that was flown over the school on roared through Sonner-Payne Hall. Thankfully there October 16, 2013 in commemoration of the 50th were no deaths, but Lewallen remembers trying to anniversary of his Air Force enlistment. It was just save as many uniforms as he could. He eventually one of the ways in which his Air Force life came full had to move his store into R-MA’s gym. Later that circle this fall. year, a hurricane destroyed many more uniforms On October 16, 1963, at age 17 and ten days, within the shop.

Lewallen walked into an enlistment office; two days Some of Lewallen’s memorable events later, he arrived at basic training. Lewallen served 15 included winning two conference championships years in a variety of assignments before he reached as R-MA’s head baseball coach, playing golf in the his final chapter in his Air Force career, Air Force annual homecoming tournaments, and attending Recruiting Services, where he served another seven years. Finally, on October 1, 1986, Lewallen retired SMSgt Robert Lewallen, USAF the homecoming party hosted by the class of 1988.

“Wow, I simply can’t believe it. Even after 25 years, from the Air Force as a senior master sergeant with Retired, cuts the Air Force the students I once taught remain my acquaintances,” 23 years of service. anniversary cake with Cadet he exclaimed.

Two months later Lewallen joined the R-MA Robert Burke ’17.

Lewallen said his greatest delight at R-MA is staff as an Air Force JROTC Instructor, under connecting with the students. Often students will convene inside his then-president Colonel Trevor Turner, USA Retired. Ten years later shop, regardless if they are in need of uniforms. “They just like to when Turner retired, Major General Henry Hobgood, USAF Retired, chill,” he said. “We get to talk about their futures, their plans, and the became president. Eventually Lewallen, who by now was running world around them. This allows me to get up-to-date with the culture the Uniform Store on campus, and Hobgood discovered that they around me, but also allows them to understand my generation.” had been stationed at the same base in Guam 32 years earlier, when Lewallen also connects with the students through an R-MA Lewallen was a staff sergeant and Hobgood was a captain. favorite pastime, table tennis. Despite his modest claims to only Now, in 2013, in which he commemorated the 50th anniversary “hit around every once in a while,” numerous students remark that of his enlistment, Lewallen came full circle with a seemingly small Lewallen keeps them on their toes. event. It is a tradition in the Air Force that the youngest Airman As a former teacher, coach, and mentor, and as that friendly guy cut the cake on the day of the Air Force’s anniversary, usually with who now issues the uniforms, Lewallen’s impact on students has the base commander. In 1963, Lewallen was honored to perform reached throughout his many years working at R-MA. this traditional act. This year, for the Air Force’s 66th anniversary,

Team of the Year, 2012-13: Flight Department

by Jonathan Pederson ’15 When thinking about teams, one can easily conjure up images of sports teams, corporate teams, or government teams. A team is a group of individuals collaborating to accomplish a common goal.

R-MA’s Flight Department accomplishes their goals with an atypical manner of team work, as they utilize each other’s skills, talents, and knowledge to instruct an average of 15 student pilots a year.

“We work well together because we don’t always agree. Our differences in teaching styles accommodate students with a variety of learning styles,” Flight Instructor Ryan Koch explained.

Flight Director Laura Abraham agreed, “We don’t necessarily work with each other. We each do a one-on-one with the students, of which most students go through ground school and learn from Mr. Koch.

His curriculum is phenomenal and prepares students for the challenges they face during flight,” Abraham explained further.

The Flight Department is truly student-oriented. Koch changed 26 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

the ground school schedule to ensure the students receive the optimal amount of knowledge. Updated planes allow students to understand the flight experience of modern planes with technology like GPS and Autopilot, while at the same time the two instructors ensure their students’ dependency on such technology is not critical.

Much of the contributions actually come from the students.

Abraham explained. “Whereas we instruct them, it is actually the students doing the work.” Koch elaborated, “If the student is both mentally and physically prepared, our jobs are easier.”

A current student working to solo, Christiana Hayes ’14, remarked, “I love being a part of the flight program at Randolph-Macon Academy. Mr. Koch and Ms. Abraham teach us so much and get us ready to solo. I’m blessed to be a part of our flight program, and to take flying lessons.”

The flight program is a fun, educational program, which provides student pilots the opportunity to accomplish a private certification. The Flight Department duo certainly deserves their second R-MA Team of the Year award.

Employee of the Year, 2012-13: Karen Moxie

By Jonathan Pederson ’15 Interacting with cadets on both a professional and personal manner is amongst the most delicate balances an employee manages.

Student Services Director Karen Moxie is the epitome of managing this with excellence. With over 35 years of service, Moxie has experienced a wide range of changes as R-MA has grown. Her first occupation in the R-MA finance office lasted about four years and began at age 18, back when she was Karen Rudacille. She recalls building friendships with the students, who were around her same age.

As she stepped into the Student Services department, she was still not much older than the students were. Therefore, they viewed her as an older sister, available for the day-to-day advice teenagers require. She successfully juggled that role with her on-going daily tasks, in spite of being a one-person office and having to do the work manually (i.e., without a computer!).

Now a full staff in Student Services lightens her workload, though it is still a complicated task, especially since R-MA has an enrollment over three times the size from when she first started working. A keen sense of intuition is necessary, for one must recognize how to handle a lost student needing to know what is next on the schedule, explaining to a student the reasons behind a rule, or giving a student an arm around the shoulder and a word of encouragement.

Moxie said that after 35 years, she knows the system, schedule, and rules, and what confuses students most. “I have grown an intuition on what the students’ needs are. I get to see many perspectives: student, friend, sister, mother, and mentor,” she said.

Co-worker TSgt Charles Brooks, USAF Retired, noted, “She’s R-MA’s mother. She gets you where you need to be and works hand-in-hand with every parent.”

Moxie truly fills the mother role, especially for students far from home. She explained, “I truly care about them. When they feel pain, I feel pain. Even the tough ones that don’t think they need help eventually open up to me because I understand their point of view.

I can explain the rules and the reasons behind them. They don’t feel like they are being demanded to follow rules after I explain the reasoning behind it.”

Colonel Gary Sadler, Commandant, explained, “Karen Moxie knows how to maintain standards in a friendly way. She always talks with the cadets, not at the cadets. Whatever she does, you know it’s for the good of the cadet.”

R-MA is not only Moxie’s home, but also her family. She met her husband at R-MA. As a teacher and coach at the time, he became the athletic director. Moxie married her husband Frank in Boggs Chapel.

From then on, R-MA has been the center of Moxie’s family.

“I only missed one graduation since I started working here,” she said. “I gave birth that day to my first son. Nonetheless, I returned to bid the students farewell. In fact, I did not take my son home. No. The first place my son went after the hospital was R-MA.” Moxie’s favorite part of her work is getting close with both the students and teachers in R-MA. She loves learning from the vast diversity R-MA has to offer, and students love sharing their culture, opinions, and heritage with her. Needless to say, Moxie is a valuable mother, mentor, and employee in R-MA.

Faculty & Staff Notes Math and physics teacher Victoria Montgomery completed 32 hours of Advanced Placement (AP) Physics C training in both Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism from June 24-28, 2013 at Fairfax Public Schools AP Summer Institute.

Spanish Teacher Julianne Cochran attended the AP Spanish Consortium in Williamsburg, VA from July 29 to August 2, 2013. On February 23, 2014, the Navy Recruiter for the Richmond/Northern Virginia district, presented Cochran with an appreciation award from NRD Richmond for conducting 19 Navy ROTC Scholarship interviews/recommendations from 2010 to 2013.

Chief Financial Officer Desiree Kardashian was elected to sit on the Board of Healthy Families of the Shenandoah Valley in July 2013, and was also chosen to be Treasurer. In November, Kardashian attended a conference by Educational & Institutional Insurance Administrators, Inc. (EIIA) in Florida.

Math Teacher Cynthia Michael attended the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Regional Conference in Baltimore in October 2013.

Science Teacher Patrick Hawkins attended the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) 2013 Conference in Richmond, Virginia on November 4, 2013.

Science Department Chair Susan Gillette and Science Teacher Tamala Sebring attended the NSTA (National Science Teacher Association) regional conference in Charlotte, NC in November 2013.

In December, Kardashian, Director of Enrollment Management Clare Dame, and Director of Admission & Financial Aid Amy Harriman attended a financial aid seminar/ discussion at Woodberry Forest.

Director of Student Life Michael Williams spoke at the VAIS Conference in Richmond in December 2014 on “Using Discipline as an Educational vs. Punitive Tool.” Williams is so well-respected in the boarding school world that he was asked to conduct an external review of the residential life program at The Culver Academies, one of the top prep schools in the nation, in preparation for an accreditation visit.

Upper School Admission Counselor and Head Lacrosse Coach Blake Hollinger attended the U.S. Lacrosse National Convention in Philadelphia from January 10-12, 2014.

Medication Administration Training and a MAGNUS webinar on “Subpoena of Student Records” were both completed during January 2014 by: Gary Sadler, Eddie Long. Jumanah Khadar, Leanne Vanderveer, Rob Locklear, Karen Moxie, Charlie Brooks, Jim Payne, Lisa Coleman, Steve Harriman, Clay Clinedinst, Phyllis Cerella, Irena Bosworth, Tony Cerella. amd Tom Riley.

Vice President for Development Kittie Callaghan Abell achieved re-certification as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) by fulfilling requirements in on-going education, professional achievement, volunteer service and mentoring. Abell achieved CFRE status in 1998 and is one of approximately 5,600 individuals worldwide holding the designation. Re-certification is required every three years.

Tracy Kaminer will be a speaker on Korean Literature at the National Korean Studies Seminar in Los Angeles this summer. This will be her third time speaking at this venue. She is also a reviewer for the journal “Education about Asia.” Kaminer teaches English as a Second Language, English, and Yearbook at R-MA Upper School.

27 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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R-MA Goes to the Kennedy Center

By Ashley Grossman ’16 Exquisite! That is the only word to describe the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The National English Honor Society sponsored a trip on February 9, 2014, to the stunning theater to enjoy the entertainment of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Teachers Ms. Tracy Kaminer and Mr. Brandon Sloan led the students.

From the moment you walk into the center, you are completely immersed in an enormous building that fills you with amazement and interest. The moment your foot touches the bright red carpet, you cannot help but smile because the whole building lights you up. I have to mention the incredible chandeliers that illuminated the ceiling; they were absolutely perfect in every way. I would go again just to see them.

Amazingly enough, the Alvin Ailey Dancers were just as beautiful as the John F. Kennedy Center itself. The Alvin Ailey

American Dance Theater grew from a now-fabled performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance. This talented group is one that celebrates the uniqueness of the AfricanAmerican cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance heritage. Each dance touched and affected you in a different and special way.

Micah Peregrino ’14 commented, “The dances put me on an emotional roller coaster ride from making me deeply reflect on man’s origins in Africa to the advances in modern dance punctuated with tiny bits of comic relief.” Every dance was different. These dances ranged from ballet all the way to modern with every move executed perfectly. Alvin Ailey, the founder, once said, “I believe the dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people,” and indeed, it was.

“Faith,” continued from page 21

“Chafin,” continued from page 23

if you beat the deadline, the admissions office at the college isn’t as busy, and you get a better chance of acceptance along with first dibs into the scholarships fund.”

Funderberg willingly shared what helped her most.

“It’s a lot to keep track of.

Keep a folder for each college.

Faith’s College I actually chose to set up an excel sheet for each college Application Tips with criteria and with what steps I still needed to do for 1. Keep a folder for that application, kind of like each college. a checklist.” Next, R-MA’s college application guru 2. Set up a suggests that students take spreadsheet to track their SAT and ACT their criteria and progress. junior year, and start the hunt and application process the 3. Take your SAT summer before their senior and/or ACT your year. “And make sure you junior year. bring your parents!” She 4. Start completing added, “They knew what I was applications the going for better than I did!” summer before your Finally, she advises students senior year. to make sure that their SAT scores and ACT scores were 5. Visit your collegesreceived by the colleges.

-and bring your She had a complication with parents!

Embry-Riddle not receiving her SAT scores, but, being 6. Follow up with an early bird, she had time to your colleges to make rectify that. sure they received With so much success everything you think and new adventures pending, you’ve sent.

Funderberg took the time to acknowledge R-MA. “RMA built my foundation and Remember, sometimes pointed me in the direction of the early applicant gets the end point,” she said, “The the scholarships! teachers always have open doors. We’re like a family here. That’s what I’m going to miss the most.”

could compete to be the poster child for “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) She grew up in a religious household, with her mother a Roman Catholic and her father a Methodist. She regularly attends both services whenever she has the chance to go home on breaks. Attending a United-Methodist affiliated institution has allowed her to continue to grow her faith. “I really admire the fact that we actively pray before every meal and that we go to chapel every Monday,” she said. For Chafin, singing the familiar hymns each week is her favorite way of talking to God. Her active schedule doesn’t allow for much quiet time with God, so she shares with Him as she goes about her day. “When I talk aloud, it is my version of praying and talking to God so He can hear me,” she explained.

She said that she really enjoys attending R-MA mainly because it has given her the opportunity to be independent and prepare for college. After graduating, Chafin will fulfill a lifetime dream and attend the United States Coast Guard Academy, to which she has already been accepted. “Overall,” she said, “I really just want to serve my country.”

28 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

“Pendie,” continued from page 22 accomplishment I make is to prove that she has done right by me and everything she did for me was worth it.” Pendie said that even though life has been difficult for her mother and her, she is blessed because of all her mom did for her.

As she wraps up her junior year at R-MA, this brilliant young woman is getting ready to take center stage in her future. There is an encore to Pendie’s plans extending beyond the Little Theatre at R-MA. “I want to go to either Columbia or NYU,” the talented cadet said. “And I want to double major in performing arts and pre-law because I love both!” Pendie believes that both law and performing arts work together for her because of her love for public speaking.

“You need skill with both to get a point or story across. Plus I’m just fascinated with law! I can debate till the moon turns blue!” Her ultimate dream is of course to become a successful actress, but her fall-back plan is a law degree and working in a law firm.

Although Pendie’s future will lead her on to countless adventures, Pendie has an emotional connection with R-MA. With her beautifully pensive eyes gazed upward, she finally concluded, “R-MA is a city on a hill. No one’s perfect here, but we know that. Everyone is welcome here. We look out for each other because we’re a family, and that’s just what we do.”

R-MA Legacy Family: The Bevans Richard A. Bevan ’38 is one of R-MA’s oldest living alumni.

At 93 years old, he is currently enjoying retirement in Florida after a fulfilling career as a fighter pilot and instructor pilot in the military.

Bevan originally came to R-MA because his father was in the diplomatic service. His mother was the driving force behind it—she wanted him educated in America, and liked the idea of everyone being in uniform.

While at R-MA, Bevan joined the drill team and played tennis as an intramural. He recalled that his first roommate was Ralph Barnes ’39 from Haiti; the following year, he roomed with Richard Melville ’39. After graduating from R-MA, he moved on to Washington & Lee University, but after his father passed away, he moved back in with his mother and transferred to Georgetown University.

“The draft for WWII was beginning, and I quit and went into the military. I was in the military for three or four years,” he said. “I was in the Army. Eventually I learned how to fly and Richard A. Bevan III ‘63 with his became an instructor pilot.” father Richard A. Bevan II ‘38.

After the war was over, Bevan went to work for Sears & Roebuck and he was transferred to Florida. Then, he said, “Korea started, and I didn’t much care for Sears, so I went back into the military and was an instructor pilot and later a fighter pilot.”

While he was in the military, Bevan was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, DC. It was at this time his wife went to visit R-MA with their three sons: twins Richard A. Bevan III ‘63 and Thomas H. Bevan ‘63, along with William F. Bevan ‘65.

“When my brother and I went to R-MA it was a first step in following in my father’s footsteps,” said Richard ’63. “He was a major in the Air Force (a jet fighter pilot) and I went on to be an Army artillery officer (a captain in Viet-Nam).”

Following Richard’s graduation from R-MA in 1963, he went to prep school in Washington D.C. and later on to Wichita State University where he met his college sweetheart and future bride.

After completing Wichita Tech School and becoming an electronic technician, he eventually enlisted in the Army, where he was selected for Officer Candidate School in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, to be an artillery forward observer officer. During a two-year assignment in Germany, he and his wife welcomed their baby girl into the world; afterwards he was sent to Bien Hoa, Viet Nam, with a promotion to captain.

After getting out of the military, Richard and his family moved to Florida. He worked at various jobs in the electronic industry, including eight years at Fujitsu America where he had the opportunity to advance his education in Japan and also at the Florida institute of Technology in Melbourne. Richard obtained a position at Lockheed Martin as a manufacturing engineer, working on many projects including the Joint Strike fighter jet; he retired in 2006.

Currently, Richard is enjoying being a grandparent to his three year old granddaughter living in Nashville. “My time at R-MA is still special to me,” he said. “I learned structure in my life and appreciated the strict schedule in daily life that I still follow to this day.”

As for Thomas and William, both are now enjoying retirement in Kansas.

Rebekah Secrist contributed to this article.

Class Notes

Have an udpate to share with us? Send it to abrander@rma.edu or go online to www.rma.edu/alumni-updates.

All of these Class Notes first appeared in the e-newsletter, The Dome Dispatch. If you are not receiving The Dome Dispatch and would like to be added to the distribution list, please e-mail abrander@rma.edu or sign up on the alumni section of the web site, www.rma.edu.

1948 Tom Willison graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and spent two years on active duty as a transportation officer and six years in the Pennsylvania National Guard as an artillery officer. He spent his working years in advertising and sales promotion and retired in 1995. He currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife, Nancy. He recently published his first book The Hunt, which can be found on his website www.tomwillison.com.

1961 Donald White retired on November 15th after 35 years associated with VMI athletics and a 15-year tenure as the athletic director. View the article at: http://bit.ly/1mCfPar

1963-1965 Please send your stories/photos memories of Boggs Chapel’s construction, dedication, early years, and special moments to sabre@rma. edu. Include your wedding and baptism photos, or anything else related to Boggs Chapel. The 50th anniversary of the chapel is this year, and the next issue of The Sabre will include a very special feature on this historic building.

1964 David Gurley has retired from the Columbus Regional healthcare system after serving 27 years as Director of Cardiopulmonary Services and working in the field for 45 years.

He is now working towards a PhD, sailing, driving his sports car, and enjoying his family.

1968 William Sherman has been in the printing/ publishing business in the New York area for more than 38 years and has been married to his wife, Marla, for 34 years. He has three children and two grandchildren.

See “Class Notes,” continued on page 32 29 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

a l u m n i & d e v elopmen t Golfers survived the rain for the Alumni Association’s Golf Tournament (left). Warmer and drier, many alumni enjoyed the Friday Night Dinner (below).

The Class of 1963 gathered for their 50th reunion photo in Melton Gym Lobby (below).

See more Homecoming photos on page 38!

Homecoming, continued from page 7 Greenwood raised the money from his classmates to add a third bench to the top of Riddick Field last year as a campaign to gain support for the class and this year’s reunion. This year he set up several events for his reunion class and mobilized a scholarship fund to pursue in honor of their 40th Reunion.

Starling was recognized for spearheading a great reunion committee, which set up their reunion event, contacted all of their classmates, and achieved their goal for an already-established scholarship. During the luncheon, the Class of 1988 presented Forsyth with a check for $15,450.88 for the Phillip J. Flagg Class of 1988 Scholarship. Flagg was a police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1992.

The Byron C. Gayle ’50 Dedicated Service Award is awarded to an individual who is consistent, outstanding and dedicated in his service to Randolph-Macon Academy and the community.

This year’s award went to Joseph Silek ’77, who is currently the chairman of the Board of Trustees, for his efforts to continue to put R-MA on the trajectory for further success.

The last award given was the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award, which went to Joel W. Shankle ’51. He was a star athlete at Duke University and went on to compete in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia in the 110-meter hurdles and won the bronze medal. With a love of flying, he went into the U.S. Navy and later served as a pilot with American Airlines.

The 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award was also presented, as the recipient was unable to be at Homecoming in 2012 but was in attendance this year. That award was given to Major General David Puster ’75 of the United States Army Reserves, in recognition of his commitment to serve our country as a reserve officer and his transition to Commander of the 84th Training Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He earned both Bachelor and Masters Degrees from William & Mary as well as many distinguished awards and commendations throughout his career.

The Alumni Association Board also presented a check of $3,800 to support the Fresh Look dorm renovations in SonnerPayne Hall.

The new slate of officers for the Alumni Association included President, H. Scarlett Kibler ‘89; Vice President, R. Kyle McDaniel ‘07; Secretary/Treasurer, Robert “Bo” Snitchler ‘06; re-elected to the board, Shawn Archer ‘91; and new members Roan Webb ‘73, Clifton Edwards ‘73, and Jared Purcell ‘12.

After the luncheon, the Class of 1988 held a memorial ceremony for Flagg while many alumni wandered through the various buildings on campus, reminiscing and enjoying being with friends.

At 2:00 pm, with the rain still coming down outside, family and friends gathered back into Melton Memorial Gymnasium to watch the crowning of the Homecoming Queen and King, Debbie Kim ’13 and Brook Blair ’13. The rest of the court included Louisa Stanwich ’13, Kevin Slaton ’13, Oluwatimileyin Idowu ’14, Kim-Trang Nguyen ’14, Chadler Lee ’15, Jamie Crotty ’15, Austin Davis ’16, and Amy Go ’16.

The weekend ended with the students enjoying a luau in Melton Memorial Gymnasium, while the alumni attended various reunions taking place in the local area.

At left, alumni at the Saturday evening gathering. Above, alumni renew friendships at the luncheon on Saturday. Just above that photo, the Class of 1988 presents a check for over $15,000 to put towards the Philip J. Flagg Class of ’88 Memorial Scholarship.

30 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Were you here?

Homecoming 2013 Attendees Mr. Marshall L. Waring ‘48 Mr. Francis P. Boland, IV ‘89 Mr. Arthur H. Fulton ‘49 Mrs. H. Scarlett (Praml) Kibler ‘89 Mr. Allen K. Jennings ‘49 Mrs. Constance (Gutshall) Mr. Byron C. Gayle, Jr. ‘50 McKenzie ‘89 Mr. John M. Thompson, Jr. ‘50 Mr. John F. Olverson ‘89 Mr. Conrad E. Koneczny ‘51 Mrs. Diane (Reed) Veach ‘89 Mr. Parker A. Lee ‘51 Mr. Shawn T. Archer ‘91 Mr. M. W. Ranck ‘52 Mr. James B. Rawlins ‘92 Mr. Wylie W. Barrow ‘53 Mr. Matthew D. Mosher ‘93 Mr. James C. Britt ‘53 Mr. Richard B. Norris ‘94 Dr. William M. Chadduck ‘53 Mr. Daniel P. Selby ‘00 Colonel Charles V. Corder, Jr., Mr. Mark Bolling ‘02 USAF, Retired ‘53 Ms. Jessica M. Huneycutt ‘02 Dr. C. Byrd Courtney, Jr. ‘53 Mr. David R. Parrish ‘02 The Class of 1953 had their 60th reunion photo taken in Mr. Jerry W. McCandless ‘53 Ms. Amy E. Benoit ‘03 the Melton Memorial Gymnasium Lobby, safely out of Mr. David W. Moore, Sr. ‘53 Ms. Christina L. Brander ‘03 the rain.

Mr. Charles B. Richardson ‘53 Mr. Lawrence Craft, III ‘03 Mr. W. Clayton Wynham, Jr. ‘53 Mr. David W. Johnston, II ‘03 Mr. John M. Cornwell ‘55 Mr. Ryan J. Lamke ‘03 Mr. Fred R. Greenwood, Jr. ‘73 Mr. Ronald A. Florence ‘55 Mr. William K. Whyte ‘03 Mr. Roger D. Malouf ‘73 Mr. Lennart C. Koneczny ‘55 Mr. Kiley F. Williams ‘04 Mr. Michael E. Murphy ‘73 Mr. Anthony Morris, VIII, CLU ‘55 Mr. Robert E. Snitchler ‘06 Mr. Gary L. Peeples ‘73 Mr. W. Lewis Nalls, Jr. ‘56 Mr. Aba L. Cole ‘07 Mr. R. Wayne Sealock ‘73 Colonel Robert P. Spivey, USAF, Mr. Clifton M. Czarda ‘07 Mr. Roane S. Webb ‘73 Retired ‘59 Mr. Paul A. Froeschle ‘07 Mr. Franklin S. White ‘73 Mr. George S. Young, Jr. ‘59 Mr. R. Kyle McDaniel ‘07 Mr. Paul C. Willaford Sr. ‘73 Mr. J. S. Selden, III ‘60 Mr. Jeremy S. Greenbacker ‘08 Mr. Walter P. Bailey, Jr. ‘74 Commander Francis C. Stark, III, USN, Mr. Charles B. Grove ‘08 Mr. Rushford K. Fleshman, III ‘74 Retired ‘62 Mr. Andrew A. Pfister ‘08 Mr. James C. Jennings, III ‘74 Mr. James M. Bennett ‘63 Ms. Meredith A. Silek ‘08 Mr. K. Lee Perry, Jr. ‘74 Mr. Norman A. Bunting, Sr. ‘63 Mr. William J. Skehan ‘08 Major General David W. Puster, Mr. Paul T. Candler ‘63 Mr. Charles M. Smith ‘08 USAR ‘75 Mr. Gary M. Ganson ‘63 Ms. Korinne E. Grove ‘10 Mr. G. Glynn Williams, Jr. ‘75 Mr. Kenneth B. Giles, Jr. ‘63 Mr. Rashid U. Oord ‘10 Mr. John G. Finucan ‘76 Mr. Joseph J. Harding, III ‘63 Ms. Mary K. Sadler ‘10 Mr. Mark A. Jennings ‘76 Mr. Richard M. Leach ‘63 Ms. Cara-Elizabeth H. Brown ‘11 Mr. Joseph F. Silek, Jr. ‘77 Mr. Harry J. Lee ‘63 Mr. Brandon M. Falls ‘11 Dr. J. Donald DiCiero ‘78 Mr. Richard H. Marriott, Jr. ‘63 Ms. Kellie N. Sanders ‘11 Mr. Mark W. Rogers, II ‘78 Dr. Theodore B. McCord, Jr. ‘63 Mr. Soo ln Yoon ‘11 Mr. Michael A. Williams ‘78 Mr. Walter R. Mullen, Jr. ‘63 Ms. GeorgiAnna I. Carbone-Wynne ‘12 Mr. Doug B. Wainwright ‘79 Mr. John F. Sleeter ‘63 Ms. Julia Griesbaum ‘12 Lt Col Ronald G. McManus, Jr., Mr. J. Anderson Tackett ‘63 Mr. Nicholas P. McCormick ‘12 USAF, Retired’80 Mr. Curtis H. Thomas ‘63 Mr. Christopher J. Munden ‘12 Mr. Andrew C. Harriman ‘82 Mr. Skip Tinsley ‘63 Ms. Elaine C. Nalikka ‘12 Mr. Stephen C. Harriman ‘82 Mr. William J. Vakos, Jr. ‘63 Mr. Jared M. Purcell ‘12 Mr. J. Michael Garner ‘86 Mr. Lance W. Webb ‘65 Mr. Michael Sawtelle ‘12 Ms. Tracy A. Perrin ‘86 Mr. James W. Curl, Jr. ‘66 Mr. Thomas C. Abell ‘13 Mr. Tareq D. Salahi ‘87 Mr. Milton C. Gore, Jr. ‘66 Mr. Fahad I. Alsuhaibani ‘13 Mr. Matthew S. Albert ‘88 Mr. Frank T. Humphrey ‘66 Mr. Christopher J. Bell ‘13 Mr. Eric D. Anderson ‘88 Mr. T. Wayne Cundiff ‘69 Mr. William C. D. Dennis ‘13 Mr. P. Geoffrey Ashton, Jr. ‘88 Colonel Douglas R. Huthwaite, USA, Mr. P. Neil Dutton ‘13 Mrs. Justine (Tumminia) Christian ‘88 Retired ‘69 Mr. Keijerian O. E. Graham ‘13 Mr. Stephen N. Churchill ‘88 Mr. William A. James ‘69 Mr. Peter C. Jin ‘13 Mr. Michael Kinfu ‘88 Mr. Hoyt A. Minges, Jr. ‘69 Mr. Brett Johnson ‘13 Mr. Grant D. McKenzie ‘88 Mr. Warren D. Boyer ‘70 Mr. Andre Lake ‘13 Mr. Richard M. Regan ‘88 Mr. John R. Dildy ‘70 Ms. McKenzie M. Marshall ‘13 Mr. Scott L. Salberg ‘88 Mr. John C. Swann ‘70 Mr. Marcus J. Williams ‘13 Mr. Walter J. M. Scruggs, III ‘88 Mr. Christopher P. Benson ‘73 Lt Col Michael C. Starling, USMC, Mr. Eric C. Birckner ‘73 Retired ‘88 SAVE THE DATE! Mr. Mark H. Butler ‘73 Mr. Todd R. Sternberg ‘88 Homecoming 2014 Mr. Eric D. Carlson ‘73 Mr. John S. Vasquez ‘88 October 17 & 18 Mr. Clifton P. Edwards, Jr. ‘73 Mr. LeRoy A. Weeks ‘88

31 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

a l u m n i & d e v elopmen t

Class Notes

Continued from page 29

John Simar retired at the end of June 2013 as the Athletic Director at the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey.

1974 John “Bert” Smith has been married to his wife, Leslie, for 24 wonderful years.

His son, Jeffrey, and daughter, Lindsey, both attended their parents’ alma mater, East Carolina University, in Greenville, NC.

1978 Daniel Clark, a.k.a. “The Singing Trooper,” sang “God Bless America” at Fenway Park in Boston at Game One of the World Series. Here’s the story: http://bit. ly/1hTKDVs

A Note About Photos We welcome photos to accompany your class update. To make sure we can print them in The Sabre, please follow these guidelines: o Digital photos must be a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch) in JPEG format with minimal compression. o Submit photos via e-mail to abrander@rma.edu. o Low resolution images from the Internet (72 dpi) are not acceptable. o Please make an effort to include an alumnus/ae in submitted photos (i.e., those of children and grandchildren).

Craig Wachter is a trained mediator in divorce and child custody cases and works as a contractor to the Dept. of Energy in the Washington, DC office near the monument. Craig is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Class of 1990, with a Business Management degree and shares that he is also a Redskins and Orioles fan.

1984 Bryan Moore was highlighted in the Virginian-Pilot as the special events manager for Newport News Shipbuilding. http://bit. ly/N45cka

Tributes Honored friends of Randolph-Macon Academy are listed first in bold print followed by the names of those making gifts in their honor or memory. This list reflects gifts made to R-MA between July 1, 2013 and January 7, 2014. Look in future editions of The Sabre for additional listings.

In Memory of Col. John C. Boggs and Mrs. Mattie Epes Boggs Mr. and Mrs. Earle R. Ware, II ‘53 In Honor of Mimi F. Boulden Mr. and Mrs. Sergio N. Barros Mr. and Mrs. John T. P. Dryden Mr. and Mrs. William R. Russell, Jr. In Memory of Susan H. Boyer Mr. Warren D. Boyer ‘70 In Honor of Major General and Mrs. Henry M. Hobgood, USAF, Retired Anonymous B&H Machine Works General and Mrs. Walter E. Boomer, USMC, Retired ‘56 Mr. and Mrs. William Cassone Mr. and Mrs. Rodney E. Deane, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Sylvan G. Feldstein ‘59 Mrs. Jean Johnson and Mr. Charles F. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jon Kardashian Mr. and Mrs. Conrad E. Koneczny ‘51

32 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Minnie & Bernard Lane Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Derrick Leasure Second Lieutenant Sarah L. Littlefield ‘06 Mary & Daniel Loughran Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Parrish Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Silek, Jr. ‘77 Rear Admiral and Mrs. John D. Stufflebeem, USN, Retired ‘70 Mr. and Mrs. John M. Thompson, Jr. ‘50 Dr. William C. Wetsel ‘66 and Dr. Sheila Collins Mr. and Mrs. George K. Williams In Memory of Don B. Landers Mr. Craig Porter, Sr. In Memory of Walter Richard Mancuso ‘65 Mrs. Joan Mancuso In Honor of David J. Olderman ‘53 Mr. David A. Olderman Ms. Jeanne C. Olderman Ms. Jill F. Olderman

In Memory of H. Manning Peebles ‘39 Mr. and Mrs. C. Henry Jones In Honor of Paul Manning Peebles ‘67 Mr. and Mrs. C. Henry Jones In Memory of J. Craig Porter, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Derrick Leasure Mr. Christopher B. Ryder In Memory of Bryant O. Smith, Jr. ‘49 Mr. Peter H. Smith In Memory of Colonel Arvin S. Williams, USAF, Retired Mr. and Mrs. Fariborz Ebrahimi ‘79 Dr. and Mrs. Sylvan G. Feldstein ‘59 Dr. and Mrs. C. E. Gibb, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert F. Hargroves Minnie & Bernard Lane Foundation Mr. and Mrs. James S. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. John M. Thompson, Jr. ‘50 Dr. Coulbourn H. Tyler ‘54 Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Wornom ‘60

1986

1992

Juan Fernandez attended R-MA in 1980-81.

He now lives in Monterrey, Mexico with his wife Rose and three children (Maria, Juan, and Eugenio). Since his days on the R-MA cross-country team, he has continued to do what he enjoys the most: running.

Juan works for the law firm, Baker & McKenzie, as its Chief Operating Officer.

Alexandra Nielsen (at right) was recently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines and has relocated to the Pentagon to serve as the Marine Corps’ International Affairs Program Coordinator.

1990 Henry Reichle, III is currently working for the Virginia Marine Resources Commission as a Marine Police Officer and is stationed from the York River to the Rappahannock River.

1991 Kym (Osborne) Frenzel will be graduating from DeVry UniversityJacksonville with a B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting on March 3, 2014 and is expecting her first grandson on May 22nd.

David Novy assumed command of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron, July 12, 2013. (Pictured below with Perry the Prime Beef Bull and Sparky the dog during the “Back to School” event in the civil engineering compound.) Here is a link to an article where Lt. Col. Novy attributes joining the Air Force to his R-MA high school teachers. http://1.usa. gov/1ewPwvX

Save the Date!

Homecoming October 17-18, 2014 Scott Weinberger (in black in photo at right) was awarded his 2nd Degree of Black Belt in the SanShinKai Karate on November 8th. He has been studying martial arts for a total of six years, some of that time while he was at R-MA. While continuing to challenge himself, he completed a Tough Mudder, which is 12.4 miles with 25 obstacles, and plans to do another in 2014.

1998 Kevin Smith was married to Carolyn Gerni on June 29, 2013. Their union was highlighted in this Delaware online article: http://delonline.us/1fUsAro

See “Class Notes,” continued on page 34

Alumni Association Special Order Sales

2000 Highland. Shell is windproof/water resistant medium-weight

9300 Climax. 100% Toughlan® nylon water-resistant parka with

Colors available for all sizes (S-6XLT) (shell/trim): Black/Black, Forest Green/ Navy, Royal/Navy, Navy/Teal, OSHA Orange/Black, Lime Green/Black.

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Colors available only in sizes S-3XL (shell/trim): Teal/Navy, Maroon/Black, Gray/Black, Yellow Gold/Navy.

Colors available only in sizes S-3XL (shell/trim): Black/Black, Forest Green/ Black, Navy/Navy.

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Suggested Retail Price: $125 Your Price: $75; add $2 for 2XL, $4 for 3XL, additional $2 per X added.

Logos: Customize with logos of Sonner-Payne Hall, the R-MA Yellow

Payment due with order: Mail your check or money order payable

100% Taffeta nylon. Contrasting collar trim, half lined with mesh. Elastic cuffs and waistband. Back yoke opens for added ventilation. Raglan sleeves. Hood concealed in collar.

Jacket, or the Honor Guard statues! (Logo will be all black or gold.)

Shipping: USPS Priority Mail at $8.95. Delivery time is 14 working days from date of order.

lightweight half-mesh, half-Taffeta nylon lining. Underarm zipper opening for extra ventilation, elastic cuffs with Velcro tabs, two side zipper pockets, upper left chest pocket and hood concealed in the collar.

to R-MA Alumni Association to: Byron C. Gayle, c/o RandolphMacon Academy Alumni Office, 200 Academy Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630. Credit cards accepted.

33 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

a l u m n i & d e v elopmen t

Class Notes

Continued from page 33

2000

Larissa (Woloshyn) Hansen and husband, Mike, welcomed Theresa Iryna Hansen to their family a whole month early on December 1, 2013 at 5:52 p.m. She was 5 lbs, 10 oz and 17.5 inches.

Cara E. Hobbs returned from 19 months in Kuwait and is now stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia where she took command of the 7th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary on December 12, 2013.

Christopher L. Salow and wife Courtney welcomed their 7 lb., 5oz. son, Christian Alexander Salow, on July 22, 2013 at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, MD.

2001 Kevin Melanson was married to Taciana Sant’Ana Magalhães on October 7th in Rockville, Maryland, where they currently reside.

J Anthony Drake and wife welcomed 7 lb., 14 oz. daughter Isabelle “Izzy” Kathleen Drake into their family at 8:01 a.m. on June 27th, 2013 in Ft. Riley, KS. On August 15th, J returned to “The Hill” to talk to cadre members about the importance of making the most of their R-MA experiences.

2003 Amy (Benoit) Baca married Gregory Baca on October 26, 2013.

Lawrence Craft finished up a six-month tour at ISAF Joint Command (IJC), Kabul, Afghanistan, where he directed allsource intelligence production for a multinational team of five.

He has been awarded the Joint Civilian Service Commendation medal for preparing and delivering over two dozen informative briefings, including three to commander, IJC (a three-star

34 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Where would you be?

Many alumni today point to the time spent at Randolph-Macon Academy as truly making a big difference in their lives. Graduates with a variety of experiences and memories admit that they wouldn’t be where they are today if not for R-MA. These sentiments often result in a desire to ensure that others have the life-changing experience they had. One way of doing that is to make a legacy gift to R-MA part of your estate plan. The easiest way to make a legacy gift is through a provision in your will known as a bequest. A bequest ensures that your desires for helping Randolph-Macon Academy are carried out after you pass on.

When you include a provision in your will for the benefit of R-MA, you provide essential resources that will help shape the future of R-MA and secure its excellence for generations to come. A bequest is simple to arrange, reduces your taxable estate, and allows you to retain your assets throughout your lifetime. The flexibility of a bequest permits you to designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residual of what’s left over after all other distributions have been made. In addition, you have the ability to designate that your bequest benefits an academic or athletic program that holds special significance to you, or you can endow a scholarship or teaching position, or you may leave an unrestricted gift to R-MA so that it’s used where most needed. We will provide sample language for your advisor to use so we have an accurate understanding of your desires. If you have already included R-MA in your estate plan, please let us know so that we can express our gratitude to you and invite you to join the Society of 1892.

Defining your legacy is one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. When you create or revise your estate plan, we hope you will include Randolph-Macon Academy among your beneficiaries in your will.

Jay G. Smith Director of Planned Giving

command) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). He also earned a Quarterly Achievement Award: Team/Collaborative.

After returning home, he continued his civilian service career with DIA, rotating to the Pentagon for a one-year tour with the Joint Staff. He currently resides in Pentagon City, Virginia.

Diana (Emerson) Jerman graduated from Longwood University and currently works as a contractor for NCIS as a Financial Analyst in the Accounting Department.

See “Class Notes, continued on page 36

Society of 1892

hg

The Society of 1892 is comprised of individuals - alumni, parents, friends - who have included a bequest provision for Randolph-Macon Academy in their estate plans and individuals who have arranged a gift to R-MA via a planned giving vehicle, such as trusts, annuities, and life insurance policies. The individuals who are listed in bold are new members to the Society of 1892.

Mr. & Mrs. Eric D. Anderson ‘88 Mr. & Mrs. James D. Austin ‘79 Mr. & Mrs. Harry G. Austin, III ‘75 Mr. Richard C. Beall ‘53* Mr. Dale W. Becker ‘47 Dr. Richard Belinic Mr. & Mrs. Dallas O. Berry ‘59 Mr. Harold L. Brubaker* Mr. & Mrs. James W. Burke ‘58 Lt Col & Mrs. Kevin J. Callanan Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Chaffiot, Sr. ‘51 Mr. Ray C. Coffman, Jr. ‘51 Dr. & Mrs. C. Barrie Cook ‘41 Mr. Lawrence H. Cook, Jr. ‘55* Col & Mrs. Charles V. Corder, Jr., USAF, Retired ‘53 Mr. & Mrs. W. R. Cosby ‘21* Mr. & Mrs. Rodney E. Deane, Jr. Mr. Joseph M. Edge ‘41* Mr. Jay S. Fifer ‘58 & Mrs. Virginia Fifer* Ms. Catherine Foard Fort* Petty Officer 1st Class Charles W. Fretwell ‘79 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur H. Fulton ‘49 Anonymous Mrs. Ethel R. Garber* Mr. Charles P. Given ‘23* Mr. & Mrs. C. Spencer Godfrey ‘54 Mr. Edward R. Golob, Jr. ‘65 Mrs. Georgina J. Grant*

Mr. Boyd M. Guttery ‘45 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hansen Dr. & Mrs. Timothy S. Harlan Mr. George W. Helfrich ‘54* Mrs. Ruby T. Hite* Maj Gen & Mrs. Henry M. Hobgood, USAF, Retired Col Arthur D. Johnson, USA, Retired ‘53 Mr. & Mrs. David F. Johnston, Sr. ‘58 Mr. D. Watt Jones, Jr. ‘61 Dr. Joseph H. Kite, Jr. Mr. Wendell H. Kline, Jr. ‘88 Mr. & Mrs. Conrad E. Koneczny ‘51 Dr. Kimberley Lawrence & Mr. R. Paul Lawrence ‘87 Dr. Walter E. Linaweaver, Jr. ‘46* Mr. Franklin P. Long, II ‘52* Dr. Frank F. Lusby ‘19* Mr. George S. Lux, Jr. ‘52 Mr. Joseph M. Mast ‘49 Mr. & Mrs. George D. Mathias ‘54 Mrs. Margaret H. Mathias* Mr. James H. McCormick ‘37* Mr. R. Kyle McDaniel ‘07 Mr. & Mrs. James S. Meatyard ‘55 Capt & Mrs. Richard I. Merrill, USA, Retired ‘39* Mr. & Mrs. David W. Moore, Sr. ‘53 Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Moore, Jr. ‘50 Mr. Walter L. Nalls, Jr. ‘56

Mr. & Mrs. John A. Nicodemus ‘57 Lt Col David B. Novy ‘92 Mrs. Helen C. Payne* Mr. Stewart C. Payne ‘18* Mrs. Peggy L. Payne Rev. George V. Puster, Sr.* Mr. & Mrs. Charles B. Richardson ‘53 Mr. Forrest E. Ricketts, Jr. ‘46* Mr. Richard G. Sheltman ‘22* Mr. Fred W. Shertenlieb ‘29* Mr. & Mrs. Joseph F. Silek, Jr. ‘77 Mr. Elbert L. Smith ‘30* Mr. Bryant O. Smith, Jr. ‘49* Ms. Sara S. Stolzenberg* Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Strother, Jr. ‘58 Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Stuart, III ‘64 Rear Admiral John D. Stufflebeem, USN, Retired ‘70 Dr. & Mrs. Charles B. Swaim ‘77 Mr. & Mrs. William G. Thomas ‘57 Col Trevor D. Turner, USA, Retired* & Mrs. Lois Turner Mrs. Elsie S. Upchurch Mr. & Mrs. John S. M. Wayland ‘48 Mr. Beverly B. Williams ‘53* Mr. & Mrs. Michael S. Williams Col Arvin S. Williams, USAF, Retired* Mr. Thomas F. Williamson ‘58* * Assembled for the Final Roll Call.

Leave a Legacy.

Through gift planning you can leave a legacy at Randolph-Macon Academy so that the mission of educating future generations of students continues. Perhaps we can assist you and your advisors in developing a gift plan that meets your financial and philanthropic goals.

There are numerous ways to remember R-MA in your estate plans. Two very basic planned gifts are bequests, and insurance or retirement plan beneficiary designations. If you desire to make a gift and receive an income as well, then charitable gift annuities and charitable trusts are two ways to provide benefits for both you and R-MA. Alumni and friends who remember R-MA in their estate plans are invited to join the Society of 1892, R-MA’s planned giving recognition club.

To further explore the benefits of gift planning, or to answer any questions, please call Jay Smith, Director of Planned Giving, at (540)671-9462 or email him at jsmith@rma.edu.

35 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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Class Notes

Continued from page 34

2005

John Mayfield published a research paper with his advisor entitled The Layered Structure of the Winter Atmospheric Boundary Layer in the Interior of Alaska. It can be found on the American Meteorological Society website here: http://bit. ly/1hWslTF Rich Marsh (picture at left) married Anna Barber Marsh in May 2013. They reside in Columbia, SC where Rich joined the law firm McKay, Authen, Settana, & Stubley, practicing in medical malpractice defense and trucking and transportation litigation.

Were you here in 1964?

Boggs Chapel was dedicated 50 years ago this year!

2008 David Fell returned home In January from being stationed in Kuwait for nine months with the 48th Combat Support Hospital working as a medic.

Lauralee Roos graduated from the University of Baltimore in 2011 and currently works for the Anne Arundel County States Attorney’s Office for the Drug Court Team. She is working as a paralegal and case manager; in this position, she speaks with defendants and attorneys, and goes before the judge each week. She says she has an amazing job and that Annapolis is a wonderful city.

2009 Alice R. Barlow graduated in May 2013 from the University of Findlay with a B.S. in both Equine Business Management and Equine Riding Studies – Western Emphasis. She is now the owner of Team Barlow Performance Horses LLC., and is getting ready to work on her Masters of Education.

2010 Victoria Kolton graduated from Messiah College in December with a B.A. in Arts Management and a concentration in Theatre and emphasis in Entrepreneurship. In January she started a graduate program at McDaniel College for a M.S. in Education.

Whitney Lee worked alongside The Harvard Independent to publish the third edition of “100 Successful College Application Essays.” http://bit.ly/1bOvZfu

2011 Alandra Moreira gave birth to 5lb, 9oz Lilja Jayne Moreira (pictured at right) on November 19th, 2013 at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

2012 Jared Purcell was elected to the Senate for Student Government and Chair of Housing and Grounds Development Committee at Emory & Henry College.

2013

Do you have a memory to share?

The next issue of The Sabre will include a special section about the chapel! Did you have a wedding or a baptism in the chapel? Send your photo and/or story to sabre@rma.edu.

Will you come?

Join us at Homecoming 2014 for a re-dedication ceremony of Boggs Chapel! Watch the next issue of The Sabre and www.rma.edu for more information.

36 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Benjamin Pederson earned Cadet of the Month for Freshmen in the Virginia Tech Cadet Corps in October 2013.

Share your news! E-mail graduations, professional awards, marriages, births, retirements, deaths, job changes, promotions, etc. to abrander@rma.edu.

A Sampling of 2013-14 Named Scholarship Recipients The following scholarships were presented during the Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on November 22, 2013. Special thanks to those who joined us to present the scholarships. This is just a sample of the dozens of privately funded scholarships provided by generous alumni and friends. Contact Vice President of Development Kittie Abell at kabell@rma.edu to learn how to establish a scholarship.

Aim High Scholarship for Korean Students Dong Eun Go ‘17 Ye Eun Jung ‘14

Air Force Association Scholarship Natalie Pendie ‘15

BHEM Methodist Foundation Scholarship Gordon Anderson ‘15 Veronica Hartley ‘15 Dennis Ponn ‘17

Bogart-Johnston Family Scholarship Joseph Leichsenring ‘17

Class of 1953 Scholarship Douglas Brennand ‘15

Class of 1955 Endowed Scholarship Deborah Ogunbode ‘14

Class of 1970 Scholarship Sean Bell ‘17

Eagle Scholars Madeline Chafin ‘14 Lucas Costa ‘17 Jacob Coulter ‘17 Robert DeBerry ‘16 Bette Kebede ‘15 Jessica Neupane ‘15 Uzoamaka Njoku ‘14 Louisa Stanwich ‘14 Yazmeen Tembunde ‘15 Jacqueline Tsai ‘17

Philip J. Flagg Class of 1988 Scholarship Cole Johnston ‘15

Drewry Enoch Moore Family Scholarship Amelia Zipparo ‘14

Rick ’58 and Barbara Frisbie Foreign Language

Craig Porter, Jr. English Scholarship

Thomas Brewer ‘16 Emma Bunker ‘16 Jacob Dodson ‘15 Shelby Sebring ‘15

Grace Alexander ‘14

William H. ’33 and Ethel Garber Flight Scholarship Roop Atwal ‘15 Margot Cramer ‘14 Christiana Hayes ‘14 Victor Marshall ‘14 Slayton Speer ‘15

Major General Henry M. and Mrs. Carolyn S. Hobgood Scholarship Sean Bell ‘17

Coach Lyle ’35 and Nancy McFall and Class of 1951 Scholarship Austin Lee ‘15

Col Ivan Mieth Flight Scholarship Kevin Slaton ‘14

Alonzo Aldrich Neese Memorial Flight Scholarship Naji Bseiso, Falcon Scholar Matthew Sefton, Falcon Scholar Jordan Wiggins, Falcon Scholar

Alonzo Aldrich Neese Memorial Scholarship Debbie Kim ‘14

Parents’ Association Scholarship Catey Borden ‘14 Faith Funderberg ‘14 Kelli Hutcheson ‘14

Earl Sherman Memorial Scholarship Roop Atwal ‘15 Douglas Brennand ‘15 Cole Johnston ‘15

Randolph-Macon Academy Alumni Association Scholarship Jacob Dodson ‘15 Ixel Ochoa ‘15

Randolph-Macon Academy High Flight Scholarship Paige Hollis ‘15

Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association Flight Scholarship Madeleine Oram ‘15

Chauncy Rockwell ’06 Flight Scholarship Grace Alexander ‘14

Chauncy Rockwell ’06 Scholarship Debbie Kim ‘14

Nicholas G. Ryder ’65 Flight Scholarship William Long ‘16

Joseph F. Silek, Sr. Scholarship Nkeng Morfaw ‘17

Gregory W. Swaim ’81 Memorial Flight Scholarship Gordon Anderson ‘15

Lois and Trevor Turner Scholarship Omar Bran ‘17

Virginia Beach United Methodist Foundation Scholarship Evan Anderton ‘18

Colonel Arvin and Emma Williams Scholarship Oluwatimileyin Idowa ‘15 37 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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More From Homecoming

Final Farewell We bid a fond farewell to members of the R-MA family who have passed away. We have received notice of their passing within the last few months. If you would like to receive a copy of an obituary, contact alumni@rma.edu. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, and their memories remain with us always.

F. David Putnam ‘30

Oliver L. Hitch ‘42

William D. Rowles ‘48

William L. Darnall ‘63

Alexander G. Green, Jr. ‘32

Edwyn E. Lewis, Jr. ‘42

Charles A. Copperthite, III ‘49

James A. Edmonds, Jr. ‘63

J. Frank Forsyth, III ‘33

William H. Wheatley ‘43

Richard A. Downing ‘49

William C. Francis, III ‘63

Hamilton P. Fox ‘37

William H. Anger ‘44

Louis J. Gaydos ‘49

Clifford W. Perrin ‘63

Douglas V. Bralley ‘38

Cyrus W. Harding ‘45

Bryant O. Smith, Jr. ‘49

Michael Brockmeier ‘66

Walter M. Duncan ‘39

Alex K. Tinker, Jr. ‘46

Frank T. Brizzolara ‘51

Edwin D. Pilcher ‘67

William L. Brittingham ‘40

Ralph Q. Hollis ‘47

Phillip L. Brondstater ‘51

Jared Fullerton ‘90

J. Lewis Shanabarger ‘40

J. Robert Scott ‘47

Alberto S. Martinez ‘54

Ryan P. Derr ‘02

Albert J. McMath, Sr. ‘41

Donald W. Carothers ‘48

Richard J. Ratcliffe ‘58

(January 3, 2014) (May 12, 2013)

(January 14, 2013)

(November 26, 2013) (January 14, 2014)

(February 24, 2013) (March 18, 2013) (July 2, 2013)

(January 6, 2013)

(September 6, 2013) (July 23, 2011)

(January 20, 2013)

(December 16, 2012) (December 7, 2013) (May 6, 2013)

(November 15, 2013) (August 3, 2013)

(September 12, 2013)

38 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

(September 15, 2013) (July 18, 2013)

(August 14, 2013)

(November 26, 2013) (November 15, 2013) (November 20, 2013)

(September 22, 2013) (September 2013)

(November 8, 2013)

(December 31, 2012) (April 30, 2013) (July 1, 2011)

(August 11, 2004)

(September 8, 2013)

(September 25, 2013) (January 30, 2014)

(December 11, 2013)

Triumphant Season for Middle School Soccer

by Steve Latham P’18 The Jackets capped off a glorious end to the season by bringing home the runners-up trophy for the Valley Middle School Conference (VMSC) after a hard fought 2-1 loss to undefeated regular season champions Wakefield Country Day School (WCDS). After conceding an early goal from a well-taken free kick, the Jackets fought back to equalize after a fast break with a clinical finish from top scorer Filippo Bandera ’18 to end the half level. It was a tough first half after a draining win over Fresta the previous day.

The Jackets came out strong in the second half only for WCDS to take the lead again after a second goal from their top player who managed to get a shot off despite being tightly contained. Cailen Baggett ’18 had another absolutely outstanding game at keeper with the save of the game a few minutes later, parrying a shot and then scrambling to his feet to claw it off the goal line. The Jackets then took the game to WCDS for the last 10 minutes where they threw everything at the goal. The WCDS keeper was the difference in the end, blocking a number of goalbound shots as WCDS held on in a game that could have gone either way.

This Jackets team may have more team chemistry and character than any team I have coached and they recognized that to play such a great final against an unbeaten team and push them so close is something to celebrate. The best two teams in the VMSC stood side-by-side on the sidelines after the game as the trophies were presented, having shared in a final all the players will remember fondly for years to come. Maybe the crowning glory was when the players rushed into the dorm with music blaring on their return to campus to show off their hard-won trophy.

Above left, Highest Goal Scorer Filippo Bandera ’18.

At left, MVP Ryan Latham ’18. Coaches’ Award winner Sarah Vaughan’18 is at upper right, and Most Improved Player Cailen Baggett ’18 is at right.

Middle School Girls’ Volleyball Makes Championship Round First-year Middle School girls’ volleyball coach Brian Brinkley might have coached the Middle School girls’ volleyball team to their first appearance in the Valley Middle School Conference Volleyball Championship, but he refused to take all the credit.

“I was fortunate enough to take on a team that had ten eighth graders,” he said. The year before, Middle School Dorm Counselor Sal Gallaro had been the head coach, and, according to Brinkley, had already taught the girls the basic skills they needed. “I basically didn’t have to do a lot other than motivate them,” Brinkley claimed. He was also quick to give credit to his assistant coach for this fall, Mary Anna Stokes. “She was wonderful. She kept the scorebook, which allowed me to just coach, she looked after the girls, and brought them treats before the games. I couldn’t have done it without her.”

Although he was not a volleyball player himself, Brinkley did pick up a lot of the basics and finer points of the game from his daughter’s participation in travel and JV volleyball. He combined that knowledge with his experience coaching flag football for R-MA Middle School last year and went into the season with an agenda and a game plan.

“I went into it with the expectation that we’re going to have fun,” he said. “Win or lose, it’s all about good sportsmanship and conduct and all that goes along with it. Then I began to realize I had a good group of girls.”

That group still had a long way to go before it became a team, however. About halfway through the season, they lost to a school that everyone thought would be an easy win. “We took for granted we were going to roll over this team, and they took it to us,” Brinkley said. He took the girls aside and challenged them to look around the gym to see what was missing. It didn’t take long to see that there was no girls’ volleyball championship banner. Brinkley left them with a challenge: to decide whether they were going to go after that

championship or not.

The girls went on to win almost every match the rest of the season, right up to the championship match, where they faced volleyball powerhouse Rappahannock.

Although the girls lost two of the three games and the championship title, they couldn’t help but be pleased with the fact that they had managed to claim the runner-up title.

“I am proud of every one of them, from the first string to the third string,” Brinkley said. “They all played well.”

MVP Angel Njoku ’18 at left; Coaches’ Award Elenda Liyel-Imoke ’18 top photo; Most Improved Player Tina Tian ’18 above.

39 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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DAC Soccer Tournament Returns to R-MA For the R-MA varsity boys’ soccer team and first-time head coach Jeff Moxie, it all came down to the final game. If they won, they would achieve their season-long goal: to host a Delaney Athletic Conference Tournament game on their home field. If they lost, they would have to travel to play in the tournament.

When Moxie came into the season, he didn’t know what to expect. He had coached girls’ varsity basketball at R-MA for the last several years, but he had spent the fall season coaching at Warren County High School. As a result, he had never had the chance to see the R-MA boys play before. He had heard that last year’s team was under .500, and mentally set a goal to beat that record. Then he saw something that changed his mind.

“We had a good group of seniors, with Bryan Mazzola, Ben Gillis, and Herman Mangueira,” he said. “I saw a lot of potential.”

The fact that things were coming together this year, between the players and the coaches, showed early in the season. In the fall of 2012, R-MA had lost to Fredericksburg Christian School by a score of 9-1. Going into the game against them on September 19th, Moxie was nervous—but he didn’t need to be. The Yellow Jackets emerged triumphant by a score of 2-1, and Moxie knew they had a chance to do more than just finish at .500 this year. So he set the team goal at hosting a DAC Tournament game, something the players told him had not happened in a number of years. To achieve that goal, they would have to finish in the top four in the conference.

Eventually, it all came down to the last game against Tandem Friends. The Yellow Jackets met the challenge and defeated Tandem 2-0. While they lost to Tandem the next evening in the DAC Tournament Quarterfinals, they could hold their heads high; they had achieved their season goal.

For Moxie, the season was pure pleasure. “Every day they came ready to play,” he said. “They beat me to the field every day, they asked me to practice on weekends. I had to say, ‘Go do something else; don’t get burned out on soccer.’ It’s easy to coach kids like that.

You don’t have to motivate them to play.”

Gillis, continued from page 22 doing formation I would think, ‘Why am I up here? Is this really me?’ It’s a different opportunity to be able to be a leader in a military program in high school. It’s definitely a learning experience for me.”

As he was coping with the changes military leadership had thrust upon him, Gillis continued to lead on the field, performing so well that he won several honors at the end of the fall athletic season: Delaney Athletic Conference Honorable Mention All Conference Soccer, Patriot Football Conference 1st Team Kicker, Patriot Football Conference 2nd Team Punter, and Northern Virginia Daily, AllArea Kicker, 2nd Team.

In addition to all of his responsibilities as part of R-MA, in his spare time Gillis enjoys pushing his physical limits in mountain biking, kayaking, and skiing. He applied to four colleges with plans to major in engineering, and at the time we went to print, he was still considering his options.

40 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Herman Manguiera ’14, at left, was named Most Improved Player and earned a Delaney Athletic Conference Honorable Mention along with Coaches’ Award Winner Benjamin Gillis ’14 (see related article, page 22, continued onto the lower left of this page). Bryan Mazzola ’14 was named the team’s MVP and named to the 1st Team, All-Conference in the DAC (see related article below).

Mazzola Leads Scoring in DAC Bryan Mazzola ’14, a cadet captain and flight commander in the Air Force JROTC program, is a soccer celebrity at R-MA. He calls Ridgefield, Connecticut home, and is currently in his second year as an R-MA cadet. His passion for soccer has definitely been reflected in the success he enjoys at R-MA, but when asked what his favorite part of soccer was, Mazzola pointed all success back to the team. “Soccer is my favorite sport,” he said, “I love the strategy of it - interpreting passes and always staying a step ahead - but it’s the team that makes it what it is. If you’re on a good team, there’s a bond, and we have each other’s backs. That’s really why it’s my favorite time of the year.”

Mazzola has immensely enjoyed being a co-captain of R-MA’s varsity soccer team along with Ben Gillis. Soccer is something he has played his whole life, and he definitely has racked up some impressive accomplishments! He was the leading scorer for the whole division, was second in number of his assists, earned MVP of the year, and helped take the team to the Delaney Athletic Conference play-offs.

“This year was different,” said Mazzola as he reflected on the past season. “We had a lot of wins this year. Last year was a first year for a lot of the players at R-MA. It was a new team, so this year we were able to work together because we were closer.” Mazzola attributed this to the unique bond the team enjoyed. “We’re a team off the field,” he claimed, “We’re friendly. I have classes with my team members, and we’re just as much a team in class. Shout out to Herman [Mangueira ‘14] and Anik [Alamgir ‘14]!”

Mazzola is as dedicated a student as he is a soccer player.

For extracurricular activities last year, Mazzola chose study hall. “I had to keep my grades up,” he explained. “It was a new adjustment for me coming here. I had to figure it out, but being on the soccer team really helped. The bond between everyone is what really sets us apart; it wasn’t like that for me at public school. This is my family away from home. It’s a brotherhood, and it’s the people themselves that are the difference. We watch out for each other.”

Moore Shows How Far Attitude Can Take an Athlete Jonathan Moore ’14 received numerous honors this year: He was named the Patriot Football Conference (PFC) Offensive Player of the Year and was named to the PFC First Team as Running Back and Linebacker. He was also named to the 2nd Team All-State Running Back - in the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association, and the Northern Virginia Daily, named him All Area, Running Back, 2nd Team.

When he first met Moore in 2008, however, Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Frank Sullivan was not so sure about Moore’s ability to play safely.

“At first glance, I was worried,” Sullivan admitted. “Jon though was brimming with confidence – all 4’11, and 92 pounds of him. As he was standing in front of me at the registration table I immediately began to worry that he was not going to make it to the first day of school, which was sixteen days away.” However, as a sixth grader, Moore had played on a state champion travel football team. Having loved football from the moment he could play, the success inspired confidence in Moore, and he came to R-MA ready to compete. Nothing was going to stop him—and nothing did. It was one time Sullivan was glad to be wrong. “Jon made it through camp with a fierce competitive spirit but didn’t see a varsity snap until his junior year,” he said. “He had grown, he was now 5’6, 140 pounds, and as a staff we knew we had to play him because his positive attitude and work ethic was contagious and needed to be rewarded.”

At first they played him on special teams, and he excelled in this role. Then fate seemed to step in on Moore’s behalf, when one of the team’s top running backs was injured during a game early in the season.

“We shuffled our game plan to ease Jon into the offense,” Sullivan said. “One quarter into the game Jon had 80 yards and two, long touchdown runs. From that point on our game plans centered around Jon.”

Being that good takes a lot of dedication and hard work, but for Moore, it was fun. “We have a really good camaraderie, and it allowed for a great season,” he said.

The combination of his work ethic and his positive attitude made Moore an invaluable part of the team, even more so than his athletic talent. “The culture of our team changed as Jon’s leadership and never-quit attitude permeated throughout the team. Because of Jon, our staff now has an example of how far confidence, attitude, and leadership will take a player,” explained Sullivan.

“I have learned a lot of life lessons from football,” said Moore. “That’s why I play. I’ve learned discipline, to show up on time, teamwork, cooperation within a team…it’s made me the person I am today.”

That person he has become has set himself up for success in more than just athletics. Moore has maintained a 4.05 weighted GPA while carrying a full load of honors and Advanced Placement courses.

He was a member of the five-person team R-MA sent to the Conrad Foundation’s Spirit of Innovation Challenge in 2013. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the 3rd Squadron Commander in the Air Force JROTC program. As a result, Moore has been accepted to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Purdue University’s College of Engineering. He has a chance to play football in college, but more importantly, he will achieve his goal of becoming an electrical engineer.

Moore gives credit for his success to everyone around him. “My coaches…Coach Sullivan made me think of things differently and definitely pushed me,” he said. “Coach [Blake] Hollinger has been my defensive coach for three years. My teammates…I don’t play for myself. I play for them. Just to know they play for me pushes me to work harder. My family…my dad has been to every game and supported me even through the losses.”

Middle School Golf Undefeated Once Again

by Jonathan Pederson ’15 With a total of six new golf members and two returners, the Middle School golf team is proud of the quite successful undefeated season, maintaining a record of 3 - 0. Coaches Bill Curl and Howard Walters announced Jacob Karen ’19 as the Most Valuable Player; his best-played game beat Linton Hall with a score of 54 this season.

Javon Farmer ’18, who received the Coaches’ Award, scored within the top four in each tournament.

Not only did the Middle School golf team earn a perfect record this year, they also scrimmaged against Skyline’s High School’s golf team, gaining valuable insights for the future games they played.

Further insights came from varsity golfer Thomas Minchew ’17, who became assistant coach for the 2013 season.

Minchew instructed the golfers on how to improve their technique. Curl often referred to Minchew’s advice for the team line-up, allowing each player to meet a challenge during the next game.

Minchew explained, “This experience allowed me to give advice to the MVP Jacob Karen ’19

[younger] golfers, and I could practice for my next season.”

The team practiced at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. Coach Curl summed up the season by saying, “This season’s Middle School Golf Team successfully completed the season gaining both a championship and valuable experience in a life-long sport.”

Most Improved Player Ian Mounts ’19

Coaches’ Award winner Javon Farmer ’18

41 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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Varsity Football Most Valuable Player Jonathan Moore ‘14 (#36) Coaches’ Award Carson Holder ‘14 (#21) Kevin Slaton ’14 (#22) Most Improved Player Garrett Cavanaugh ’14 (#3)

Fall Sports Awards

Most Improved Sophomore Jeremiah Hixson ’16 (#4)

JV Soccer & Football JV Soccer Most Valuable Player Douglas Brennand ’15 Coaches’ Award Trevor Whitcraft ’15 JV Football Most Improved Freshman Alexander Ndongo-She ’17

Varsity Volleyball Most Valuable Player Kelli Hutcheson ‘14 Coaches’ Award Catey Borden ‘14 Caitlin Bunker ‘14

42 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

To a Lifetime Coach When the seniors on the football team recommended getting a thank-you gift for Head Football Coach Frank Sullivan, Jonathan Moore ’14 had a suggestion of his own: a trophy. It wasn’t addressed to Sullivan as the head football coach or even the athletic director. Instead, inscribed on the plate, it reads, “To a lifetime coach.”

“That’s what he is,” said Moore. “He taught us skills that will last a lifetime—to look people in the eye, to be on time. He’s not just a football coach, he’s a lifetime coach.”

Congratulations, Coach Sullivan, for being the kind of coach that makes a positive difference in the lives of your players!

Varsity Girls’ Tennis Most Valuable Player Siqin Xie ’16 Coaches’ Award Angelique Murphy ’17 Most Improved Player ZiYun Wang ’16

Varsity CrossCountry Most Valuable Runner – Robert DeBerry ’16 Coaches’ Award Dongeun “Amy” Go ’17 Xel Ochoa ’15

Middle School Cross-Country Most Valuable Runner Caleb Nielsen ’19 Coaches’ Award Amandeep Atwal ’20 Erik Wagner ’18

43 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

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R-MA Swimmers Make States

by Rebekah Secrist

them to not just improve their swim times, but to learn about good sportsmanship and challenging themselves.

With the rewarding season at a close, Coach Williams summarizes his feelings for the swim team with a quote from Christy Huddleston, the main character in the TV series Christy: “I came here to teach, but every day the children show me that I’m here to learn.”

The R-MA swim team enjoyed a successful season, and one of the most rewarding highlights was having two members of the team make it to the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA) State Meet.

Quinn Blankenship Most Valuable Swimmers: for the boys’ ’16 holds the R-MA female team, Cheng Qian ’15 (above), and for record for the fastest 200 yard the girls’ team, Quinn Blankenship ’16 and 500 yard free style, and (right) and Eun Jung “Katie” Lee ’14 her stellar record advanced (below). Qian and Blankenship qualified her to the state level this for the state swim meet. past season. She was 21st in the state for the 200-yard freestyle and 12th in the state for Girls’ Most Improved Swimmer, the 500-yard freestyle Na Hyun “Hannah” Han ’16, event. Blankenship’s at right. success is the result of her diligent work ethic, and her team members see Blankenship as a person who strives to Come cheer on the Yellow win. “Her work ethic Jackets this spring! is incredible!” Head Coach Michael Williams said. “She is excellent at assisting the other Visit http://www.rma.edu/Athleticswimmers when they need help, but as a self-motivator, she maintains Offerings and click on a sport to view an internal focus and personal drive to excel as a swimmer.” the competition schedule!

Cheng Qian ’15 also made it to VISAA State Meet. He came th th in 26 in the state in the 50 yard free style and 12 in the state for (Schedules subject to change.) the 100 yard backstroke. Williams and assistant coach Muareen Sadler P’10 helped push and guide him as he adapted to the different practice structure at R-MA. Qian’s swim team in China emphasized cardio training for its swimmers, but at R-MA Qian has had to learn to focus more on strength and endurance

by Emma Bunker ’16 development. Williams With five minutes until the race, the first call was announced: said he is very proud “Ladies, take your positions.” There was just one minute left, and of Qian’s growth, the second and final call was given: “Ladies, take your position at and believes that if the line.” The gun sounded and the 2013 R-MA Girls’ Cross-Country Qian adds strength team was off. This race was not just any race, it was the State Meet, to his cardio regime, and for some it was the last cross-country race we would ever run. then his time will The girls’ team was comprised of Maddy Chafin ‘14, Grace Alexander drop even more.

‘14, Ixel Ochoa ‘15, Amy Go ‘17, Paige Hollis ‘15, and myself, “Qian is very humble, Emma Bunker ‘16. but competitive,” Coaches’ Award Winners: Elias Lisle ’16 For us, cross-country is not just a hobby, it is a sport. CrossWilliams said. “He (below), and William Wong ’16 (above). country demands more of the runner than people think. Athletes have does his job, and he to motivate themselves to practice every day and stay fit. This practice does it with grace.” typically consists of running about three to six miles each and every With the swim day, up hills and across all kinds of terrain. Cross-country is uniquely season finished, demanding in both a physical and a mental way. It also requires a Williams reflected on great deal of dedication. We did not have the winning team on paper the team as a whole.

“My first priority to my this year. We never won a race but we also never came in last place.

With each run, the times decreased. With each race the body of the swimmers is as human team got stronger. beings,” he said. He As Oprah Winfrey once said, “Running is the greatest metaphor emphasized that his for life, because you get out of it what you put into it.” goal as a coach is for

Girls’ X-C Heads to States

44 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Varsity Girls’ Basketball Returns to DAC Tournament Girls’ varsity basketball head coach Jeff Moxie has enjoyed the benefit of some great talent on the team over the last few years. He had the chance to get to know the girls his first two years as assistant coach and last year took over as head coach, taking the team all the way to the DAC Championships. With the graduation of key players from last year, including MVP Anastasia Voellm ’13, he knew this year would be a challenge.

“We had to shift things around and play some people out of position,” Moxie said. “Maddy [Chafin ’14] had been a shooting guard; we had to make her a point guard. It’s a difficult switch because you have to be aware of where all four people on the court are, and whether they’re open to take a shot. Maddy did a great job.”

The team got off to a slow start, reminiscent of last year’s season, but gradually picked up momentum. They were peaking at the right time—the end of the season. “Senior night against Massanutten Academy, we came back and won 52 to 49,” said Moxie. “They played as a team and passed well.”

The girls carried that momentum into the DAC Quarterfinals, an away game they were not expected to win. The Lady Yellow Jackets defied expectations, however, pulling out a 29-22 victory that placed them in the DAC Semifinals. It was not without cost, however-Caitlin Bunker ’14 went out with a torn ACL. Having also lost Emmanuela Imansuangbon ’15 to injury, the team was at a distinct disadvantage physically and mentally when they met Fredericksburg Academy a few days later. Although they lost, the fact that they made it to the semifinal games was a great accomplishment in the eyes of the R-MA community and their coach.

Most Valuable Player, Maddy Chafin ’14, top right. At right, Coaches’ Award Winner Caitlin Bunker ’14. Above, Most Improved Player Julia Norton ’17.

Middle School Boys Capture Powhatan Tournament On Saturday, February 1, the R-MA Boys’ Basketball Team traveled to the Powhatan School in Boyce, Virginia, to participate in the Powhatan Invitational Tournament.

We played in the opening game against the Fresta Valley Pioneers. The young Jackets got off to a quick start and never looked back.

At halftime the score was 25-10. During the second half everyone received playing time, and the final score was 47-20. Leading the way for R-MA was Stanley Richards ’19 with 15 points. Samuel Uzoma ’18 added 12 points and 12 rebounds and Cailen Baggett ’18 added 10 points from the perimeter. John Backo ’18 played a good defensive game and added 6 points. Ryan Latham ’18 scored 4 points and collected 12 rebounds.

That afternoon, R-MA played in the championship game against the undefeated host team, the Powhatan Chiefs. Although the Jackets took the early lead, at halftime the score was tied 19-19. The Jackets started the second half with three field goals and took a lead they would never relinquish. The game was a very physical, intense contest with numerous time-outs, fouls, and all-around good play. The Chiefs were forced to foul at the end of the game but Richards was able to convert on 4 for 6 free throws to keep the Jacket lead. When the buzzer ended the game, the Jackets were the winners of the Powhatan Invitational by the score of 40-31.

Richards led all scorers with 12 points and

5 rebounds. Uzoma added 11 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the day. Latham had a strong game scoring 8 points and collecting 6 rebounds. Backo, again, played a good defensive game and added 5 points. Baggett played tough defense and contributed 4 points. Richards and Uzoma were selected to the All-Tournament Team.

After winning the Powhatan Invitational Tournament, the boys’ team went on to defeat the Wakefield Country Day School Owls by the score of 27-13 in the opening round of the VMSC Tournament on Monday, February 3. Latham had an offensive break-out game scoring 13 points and hauled down 6 rebounds.

Baggett and Richards had very good defensive games and each scored 5 points. Backo and Uzoma completed the scoring with 2 points each; but Uzoma controlled the boards with his game high 13 rebounds.

With this win, the Jackets advanced to the semifinal round of competition, where they fell to the undefeated Most Valuable Player Stanley Rappahannock Panthers Richards ’19 is above left., in the semi-finals of the Coaches’ Award Winner VMSC Tournament 41-16.

Samuel Uzoma ’18 is above. The Yellow Jackets ended Most Improved Player John their season with an overall Backo ’18 is at left. record of 9-5.

45 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

a t hl et ic s

Varsity Boys’ Basketball

Winter Sports Awards

Most Valuable Player Carson Holder ’14 Coaches’ Award Chris Rowe ’14 Troy White ’14

JV Boys’ Basketball Most Valuable Player DiKun Yu ’16 Coaches’ Award Robert DeBerry ’16 Most Improved Player Austin Davis ’17

Varsity Cheerleading Most Valuable Player Yifei Peng ’17 Coaches’ Award Markeesha Gibson ‘14 Most Improved Player Khanh Pham ’15

Varsity Wrestling Most Valuable Player Jonathan Moore ’14 Coaches’ Award Austin Lee ’15 Most Improved Player Joseph Leichsenring ’17 46 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Middle School Cheerleading Most Valuable Player Princess Uzoma ’20 Coaches’ Award Nafisah Muhtar ’20 Most Improved Player Citlaly Sosa ’20

Middle School Girls’ Basketball Most Valuable Player Angel Njoku ’18 Coaches’ Award Kimberly Pitts ’18 Most Improved Player Elenda Liyel-Imoke ’18

JV Boys’ Swimming Most Valuable Swimmer Zuorui Jin ’18 Coaches’ Award Aman Atwal ’20 John Mark Secrist ’20

JV Girls’ Swimming Coaches’ Award Chenxi “Vivivian Lei ’18 Evelyn Smith ’19 Most Improved Swimmer Carolyn Laourdakis ’19

47 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

a t hl et ic s

Wrestling: 50 Years at R-MA

Conference Honors Congratulations to the following athletes for earning conference honors in their sports during the 2013 fall and/or 2013-14 winter season. Football participates in the Patriot Football Conference; all other sports participate in the Delaney Athletic Conference.

Varsity Football Jonathan Moore ’14 Co-Player of the Year

Varsity Soccer Bryan Mazzola ’14 1st Team

Garrett Cavanaugh ’14 1st Team, Quarterback; Honorable Mention, Defensive Back

Benjamin Gillis ’14 Honorable Mention

Carson Holder ’14 1st Team, Wide Receiver and Defensive End

The 1963-64 Wrestling Team, R-MA’s first, had a humble beginning. However, the program has developed and produced eight state champions over the last 50 years.

“Wrestling does not build character, it reveals it. A lesson that all wrestlers learn is that one’s best success usually comes after the greatest disappointments,” said Head Wrestling Coach and Athletic Director Frank Sullivan.

In the 1963-64 school year, varsity wrestling joined the sports line-up at R-MA for the first time, adding another option to the winter sports season that already included swimming, four different basketball teams, and winter track. According to Chip Rohr ’66, who wrestled from his sophomore through senior years, that first year was a humble beginning. The athletes wore R-MA sweat pants and athletic shirts to wrestle in, as they didn’t have wrestling uniforms. Because the gym was occupied with basketball practice, the wrestlers had to go into the basement of the gym and move weights out of their way to create a space for their practice. R-MA did not have regulation wrestling mats, so they started out by taping tumbling mats together to give them a large enough area on which to wrestle. The man drafted into coaching the team, T.M. White, became a beloved coach—but he knew very little about wrestling at the start of the sport.

“Venny [Payne ’64] and I remember putting books on the mats and figuring out the moves from the pictures,” said Rohr. In spite of all the challenges, though, Rohr said none of the students were upset by them. “We were just happy we could wrestle,” he said.

“We were happy to have a winter sport we could participate in.” It was so popular that 30 students signed up that first year. There were three informal matches; although R-MA lost each one, the general agreement was that it was a successful venture and a good foundation on which to build a program. “This team, as a new addition to the ranks of the academy’s athletic squads, should prove to be a definite asset to R-MA in the years to come,” Brien Levy ’64 wrote in the May 1, 1964 edition of The Sabre. He was right.

R-MA might have had its disappointments in that first year, but as Sullivan said, the success often comes after disappointment. With wrestling just gaining a foothold in the private school world, the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association began hosting a state tournament in wrestling in 1970. Since then, R-MA has had eight state champions, one of whom claimed a state championship title twice (see sidebar). The trend of success has continued in other ways in recent years, with three seniors qualifying for Nationals just last year. Although this year’s team was young, there were a few matches that Sullivan said showed the athletes’ potential. They are sure to stand strong on the foundation of those who have gone before.

48 The Sabre  Winter/Spring 2014

Kevin C. Slaton ’14 1st Team, Running Back and Defensive Back Manny Arellano ‘14 1st Team, Offensive Line and Defensive Line Malik Cochran ’15 1st Team, Offensive Line Ming Gong ’14 1st Team, Offensive Line Troy White ’14 Honorable Mention, Defensive Back Benjamin Gillis ’14 1st Team, Kicking; Honorable Mention, Punting Varsity Tennis Siqin Xie ’16 Honorable Mention

Herman Mangueira ’14 Honorable Mention Varsity Volleyball Kelli Amner Hutcheson ’14 1st Team Ashley Grossman ’16 Honorable Mention Mackenzie Julia Norton ’17 Honorable Mention Girls’ Basketball Madeline Chafin ’14 1st Team Emmanuela Imansuangbon ’15 1st Team Boys’ Basketball Carson Holder ’14 1st Team Chris Rowe ’14 Honorable Mention

R-MA’S V.I.S.A.A. WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONS 1972.......... 112 ........................................SKIP TERRY

1972.......... 167..................................BILLY KELLAM 1985.......... HWT............. LEROY PENDERGARST 1988.......... 185..................................JOHN CARTER

1989.......... 103 ................................MARC LINDSEY 1990.......... 189....................................JEFF PATRICK

1993.......... 145................................CHRIS TURNER 1994.......... 140................................CHRIS TURNER 2005.......... 215.................................KENT PATTON

This chart tracks the growth in Alumni Annual Fund gifts for the last five years.

7.21%

300

6.39%

6.35%

250

5.27% 200

4.27%

150

100

50

0 2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Last year, R-MA topped 7 percent alumni giving for the first time ever.

But that still falls below the average set by other Virginia independent schools. That’s 18 percent.

We are half-way to reaching our goal of exceeding 8 percent alumni giving by June 30, 2014.

It’s easy to meet that number, but we need your help. For every 45 alumni who give to the unrestricted Annual Fund, we gain one percentage point; and a gift of any amount builds those participation numbers.

More importantly, you are supporting the talented students who are enrolled at the Academy today.

Use the enclosed envelope or give online at www.rma.edu/gift before June 30, 2014, when we take the next snapshot for alumni participation.

Questions? Contact Christine Meyer at (540) 636-5485 or cmeyer@rma.edu.

The Sabre

RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY 200 Academy Drive Front Royal, Virginia 22630

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Winchester, VA PERMIT NO. 339

For parents: if this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer lives at your home, please notify R-MA of the new mailing address at sabre@rma.edu, (800) 272-1172, or (540) 636-5200.

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